Eze Ohiri: “Ransom Was Paid For My Release From My Kidnappers, Police Did Not Rescue Me”

By Charles Igbo

Says he was blind-folded, paid ransom in two instalments

His Royal Highness, Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri has put a lie to the Police version of how he was “rescued” from his kidnappers.

Ohiri, the Traditional Ruler of  Obi-Orodo Community, and the immediate past Chairman of  the Imo State Traditional Rulers Council, was kidnapped on January 6, 2024, in front of his Palace.

12 days after he was abducted by the gunmen, the Imo State Police Command announced the heart-warming news that the Command has, in an operation, rescued the Traditional Ruler from the hands of the hoodlums.

However, on Friday, January 26, Ohiri put a lie to the claim by the Police Command that its operatives rescued him. He said the claim was false. He said he was not rescued by any security personnel. He said he was released by his abductors after ransom had been paid, thanks to God and his family.

Ohiri who spoke to Journalists on his experience while in the hands of his abductors also recounted how he was abducted. And, contrary to the story which made the rounds that he was abducted by 8.30am as he drove into his Palace, he was abducted by 8.30pm outdide the gate of his Palace when the hoodlums double-crossed his vehicle which was being driven by his cousin, Solomon.

Solomon who came in from the USA to spend his vacation, Eze Ohiri said, introduced himself to the hood6as just “a driver” and was allowed to go.

Eze Ohiri’s words: “Contrary to what the police said about my release, there is no hiding the fact that they never played any role.

“I actually don’t want to speak on this but I’m doing it just to set the records straight. I’m not disputing the fact that the police may have made efforts towards my release but I’m talking about what I know.

“It was my relationship with God and the help from my family people that made it possible. Although, that was after we paid a ransom.”

On how he was abducted, he said: “I was coming back after visiting my friend around 8:30pm when I met able-bodied men in front of my palace gate who came in their vehicle.

“They double-crossed me and forced me into their vehicle. My cousin-brother smartly introduced himself as my driver and they set him free.

“They now blindfolded me and zoomed off to an unknown destination.

“I saw hell within the twelve days I spent in their den. Negotiation began between my people and the kidnappers and I was eventually set free after the payment of first and second ransom was made.”

Solomon was arrested thereafter by the Police for interrogation. He has since been released.