Popular Nigerian activist and founder of Safe City Foundation, Harrison Gwamnishu, has publicly responded to widespread allegations claiming that he diverted ransom funds intended for the release of kidnapped victims in Edo State. The controversy has sparked significant attention across social media and traditional media outlets, with many questioning the activist’s role in the rescue efforts.
The issue arose after Dr. Abdul Ganiyu Oseni, whose pregnant sister and her husband were abducted by unknown assailants, publicly accused Gwamnishu on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, of misappropriating part of the ransom money that had been raised by the family to secure the release of the victims. The claim quickly went viral, drawing both criticism and support from members of the public and security commentators alike.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers released the pregnant woman but continued to hold her husband in captivity, further fueling tensions and public scrutiny regarding the handling of the ransom and the rescue operation.
Harrison debunks claim
In a video posted on his official Facebook page, Gwamnishu strongly refuted the allegations, insisting that no money was stolen and that none of his team members fled Edo State at any point. He explained that the rescue operation did not go exactly as planned and clarified that the kidnappers had previously informed the family that only the wife would be released, making the outcome unrelated to any alleged misconduct on his part.
He stated firmly:
“Nobody stole any money from anywhere. Nobody was arrested by the police, nobody ran away from Edo State. Yesterday, I was threatened. My life was threatened.”
Gwamnishu further emphasized that his involvement in the operation was purely voluntary and aimed at assisting authorities in tracking the kidnappers. He made it clear that he had not requested any payment for his services.
“I was in Edo State solely to assist. His Excellency asked, ‘How much do you want?’ and I said, ‘Sir, I don’t want payment, just an opportunity to test what we have.’ If I wanted money, I would have asked for 100 million. It was never about money,” he added, stressing the altruistic nature of his engagement in the rescue effort.
Gwamnishu also noted that he believes the kidnappers are now “celebrating” their partial success because they realized he had been involved in efforts to track and apprehend them, suggesting that his presence may have posed a challenge to their operations.
Reaffirming his commitment to public safety, Gwamnishu stated that he would continue to collaborate closely with the military, police, and local vigilantes to combat insecurity in the region. He emphasized that no external pressure or public criticism would compel him to reveal the operational methods used during security interventions, underscoring his dedication to protecting lives while maintaining the confidentiality of security strategies.
Watch video below …
THE WIFE WAS RELEASED, THE HUSBAND WAS HELD BEHIND.
They praise you when you succeed and crucify you when a mission doesn’t go as planned. The kidnappers are now celebrating because they’ve realized I was invited to help track them down.
I was in Edo State solely to assist. I… pic.twitter.com/Rbc3DM6EfQ
— Harrison Gwamnishu (@HarrisonBbi18) December 3, 2025