Gunmen abduct ex-NBA president, Okey Wali
The former president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Okey Wali, has been taken hostage by gunmen in Rivers State.
News Point Nigeria reports that Wali was abducted on Monday following an attack on his convoy along the east-west road in the Obio/Akpor LGA of the state.
This is the second time Wali would be abducted. The former NBA chairman was reportedly kidnapped in 2014.
Reacting to the news of Wali’s kidnapping, Mr. Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, the current president of the Nigerian Bar Association, pleaded with the kidnappers to free Wali.
In a statement on Tuesday, Maikyau said “It has come to my attention that one of our respected elders and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Okey Wali, SAN was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Monday, 17 April 2023, after his convoy was attacked along East–West Road, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“Mr Okey Wali, SAN was the 26th President of the NBA and has served this nation in varying capacities, contributing immensely to the growth of legal practice and in the promotion and entrenchment of the rule of law. He is a known philanthropist who has helped in the development of his community in no small measure.
“I, therefore, hereby plead with the abductors not to harm Mr Wali, SAN and make a passionate appeal for his release to his family.
The NBA stands with and assures his family of our full support in this trying period, even as we join in praying for his safe return home.
“This ugly incident is yet another sad reminder of the weakness in our security system and the failure of successive governments to live up to the Constitutional duty of providing for the welfare and security of all Nigerians.
“We urge the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, to leave no stone unturned as they work towards the safe release of our dear learned friend,” he stated.
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