Ugbome, Ozekhome’s co-captive freed

JETHRO IBILEKE/Benin

The Nigerian police in Benin City, capital of Nigeria’s Edo state Sunday confirmed the release by kidnappers of Mr Athanasius Ugbome, chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC.

Ugbome was kidnapped on Friday 23 August along with human rights lawyer and senior advocate, Mike Ozekhome on Benin-Auchi road.

Ozekhome’s driver was also kidnapped with them, with four policemen on rescue duty killed by the armed abductors.

The release of Ugbome has raised hopes that Ozekhome may also regain freedom any moment from now, following alleged positive discussions between the kidnappers and Ozekhome’s family.

It was reliably gathered that Ugbome regained his freedom around 1 a.m on Sunday, and was dropped off by his abductors at an undisclosed location.

There was jubilation in Benin City and Ozekhome’s Oviukwe community when news of his release spread. But the jubilation was cut short as only Ugbome came home.

Confirming Ugbome’s release, Pascal, his elder brother, in a short message said: “Praise be to God, he has been released.”

Edo state Police Command spokesman, ASP Moses Airhuoyo could not be reached on his mobile phone for confirmation, but a source at the command who crave anonymity confirmed the release of Ugbome, adding “we are also expecting the release of Ozekhome any moment from now. Like we said earlier, we want him released unhurt and that we are working on.”

While uncertainty continues to surround the release of Ozekhome, it was however learned that he is hale and hearty.

There was no word on the state of the driver.