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From Ben Dunno, Warri
A lawyer in Asaba, Delta State, Clifford Ezechukwu, has raised an alarm over threat to life of Stephen Oyinbrakami Oki, resident in Asaba, by members of a criminal gang operating at the borders of Edo and Delta states.
In a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, he claimed that the same gang in October 2024, held his client captivity for days releasing him only after collecting ransom.
He said the gang was also responsible for the constant intimidation and harassment of the client’s uncle, Clarence Alaowei Oki, before he took refugee in a foreign country.
He requested IGP to direct commissioners of police in Edo and Delta states to intensify efforts in curbing the activities of criminal elements, especially those behind the series of kidnapping incidents, mostly along the border area of the two states.
He recalled the Affidavit of Fact sworn to by his client on October 16, 2024, at Sapele, where he narrated how his kidnap was plotted and executed in addition to the sworn affidavit of a Notary Public Office, Sapele, on October 23, 2024, explaining the incident in detail.
According to him: “On October 16, 2024, he was driving to his family house at Orerokpe from Asaba. Just after Abraka, he slowed down at a bad spot and suddenly, ‘four unknown gunmen surrounded my vehicle and took him hostage, blindfolded alongside his vehicle to an unknown place for four days.
“They used his phone to communicate with my family and friends demanding huge amounts of money before I can be released.
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“They asked him questions about his uncle, Oki, who was returning to the country and wanted to know when he would be coming back and other details.
“He was tortured. When they had received money he was released and abandoned along Benin-Sapele Road, Delta State, wearing torn blue shirt. From there he sorted for help from passers-by before getting home and was taken to the hospital.
“And up till today, his car, a Toyota Corolla with Reg. No. EPE144CE, was not recovered even has he continued to receive calls threatening and reminding him of the need to contact his brother to come back home to Nigeria, in order to settle old scores.
“In addition to this, Mr. Oki’s lawyer backed his claim with a medical report obtained from Delta State Hospital Management Board, Warri Medical Zone, where it was further established that he visited the facility on October 20, 2024, after he had spent four days at the kidnappers’ den and subjected to series of inhumane treatment.
“The report signed by Dr. Oberiri Wisdom T, Chief Medical Officer at the hospital noted that following abduction of four-day duration, the victim at presentation had multiple facial and forearm bruises and lash marks secondary possibly due to attacks by his abductors.
“Laboratory investigation showed raised white cell count and malaria parasites. He had both parenteral and oral medication as well as psychotherapy. He was subsequently allowed home on October 22, 2024 and advised on follow-up psychotherapy.
“Borne out of the desire to ensure that this ugly incident does not repeat itself again, as solicitor of the client, we demand for a more proactive policing by the police, to forestall a repetition of this sad experience our client was subjected.”
