The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the release by kidnappers of Athanasius Ugbome, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State. The release of Mr. Ugbome, who was abducted alongside lawyer Mike Ozekhome, while travelling on the Benin—Auchi— Okene Highway, has renewed hope of the anticipated release of the human rights lawyer, as speculations thickened that discussions between his captors and family members have reached advanced positive stage. Although a section of the media (not PREMIUM TIMES) had falsely reported Mr. Ozekhome’s release along with Mr. Ugbome on Sunday but we can authoritatively confirm that the senior member of the bar has not been released as at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. It was reliably learnt that Mr. Ugbome regained his freedom around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday after he was said to have been dropped off at an undisclosed location by his abductors. It is not known if any ransom was paid as everyone has remained tight- lipped over the issue of ransom despite speculations that the kidnappers had lowered their ransom demand for the three captives to N100m from the initial N250m. It was further gathered that there was a wide jubilation in Benin City and in Mr. Ugbome’s native community, Oviukwe, when news of his release filtered in. Confirming Mr. Ugbome’s release, his elder brother and chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, whose name was given simply as Pascal, said in a short text message to our correspondent, “Praise be to God. He has been released.” The Edo State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Moses Eguaveon could not be immediately reached on his mobile telephone for confirmation. But a source at the command who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the matter, confirmed the release of Mr. Ugbome. The source, who could not confirm also whether any ransom was paid, added, “We are also expecting the release of Ozekhome any moment from now. Like we said earlier, we want him released unhurt and that is what we have been working on.” While uncertainty continues to surround the fate of Mr. Ozekhome’s personal driver (name not disclosed) who was kidnapped along with him and Mr. Ugbome on the day of the incident, family sources said the foremost legal luminary was hale and healthy in detention.
Posted on: Sun, 08 Sep 2013 16:57:24 +0000
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