Controversy Erupts As Harrison Gwamnishu Faces Allegations Of Misappropriating Kidnap Funds

A heated public controversy has erupted between self-styled security mediator and activist Harrison Gwamnishu and the family of a kidnapped couple in Edo State, amid allegations that Gwamnishu misappropriated part of the crowdfunded ransom.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The dispute revolves around the ransom raised for the release of Mr. and Mrs. Segiru, who were abducted from their home in Aviele community near Auchi on November 22, 2025.

Abdulganiyu Oseni, the elder brother of the kidnapped wife, accused Gwamnishu via his X account of diverting the funds for personal gain. The family reportedly raised ₦20 million, plus an additional ₦50,000, to secure the couple’s release through Gwamnishu’s Safe City Volunteer Foundation.

Oseni described Gwamnishu as a “thief” who “stole from the ransom my family laboured for over 10 days to raise,” alleging that only ₦5.4 million was handed over to the Auchi Area Police Command while the activist allegedly fled the area. He warned that Gwamnishu’s actions risked the couple’s lives, as the kidnappers could have verified the funds.

“This is the face of a thief. Harrison stole from the ransom my family laboured for over 10 days to raise. He was given N20 million plus an extra 50k, yet only remitted N5.4 million before fleeing. His car is now detained at the police station,” Oseni wrote.

In response, Gwamnishu denied the allegations of theft, insisting his role was strictly technical and not financial. He claimed he assisted for free by tracking the ransom money using technology to help security authorities locate the kidnappers.

He confirmed the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million, which the family negotiated down to ₦20 million. According to Gwamnishu, only the wife was released because the kidnappers claimed the ransom was incomplete, and they never counted the money. He accused the family of compromising the rescue plan by challenging the strategy in front of police officers.

“The kidnappers demanded N50 million, and the family negotiated it down to N20 million. They said they would only release the woman because she was pregnant. My role was to track the money and provide real-time location updates to the police, military, and vigilantes,” he explained.

Gwamnishu added that he had initially remained silent to protect the husband, who is still in captivity, but called on authorities and journalists to investigate the matter, expressing willingness for a public inquiry.

The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, stated that the police would provide updates once the full report of the incident is compiled.