Nigerian activist and founder of the Safe City Foundation, Harrison Gwamnishu, has spoken out following accusations that he diverted part of the ransom raised for the release of kidnapped victims in Edo State.

The controversy erupted after Dr. Abdul Ganiyu Oseni alleged on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, that Gwamnishu withheld a portion of the money contributed for the release of his pregnant sister and her husband. While the abductors freed the pregnant woman, her husband reportedly remained in captivity, heightening tensions and drawing public attention.

Gwamnishu Denies Allegations

In a video posted on Facebook, Gwamnishu firmly rejected the claims, insisting that no ransom funds were stolen, and that none of his team members fled Edo State, as widely speculated.

He explained that the rescue effort unfolded differently than expected and that the kidnappers had already informed the family that only the woman would be released at that stage.

“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,” he stated.

Gwamnishu further clarified that he travelled to Edo State solely to support security efforts and was not motivated by financial gain.

“I was in Edo State purely 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.”

Vows to Continue Anti‑Kidnapping Efforts

He added that the kidnappers might now be “celebrating” after learning that he had been involved in attempts to track them. Despite the backlash, Gwamnishu reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with the military, police, and local vigilantes to fight insecurity, stressing that no amount of pressure would force him to reveal sensitive operational tactics.