A man recently freed from police custody in Edo State has publicly commended human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, for facilitating his release after they met in a cell.
Ordeal of Unjust Detention in Edo
Onah Abba, an indigene of Benue State, recounted his experience in a video shared by Gwamnishu on Facebook. He detailed how policemen from the Edo State Command stormed a lodge and arrested him alongside some friends, labelling them as kidnappers without justification.
According to Onah, they were taken to the Edo State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where he was locked in a cell for three consecutive days without food and with no contact from the outside world, not even from the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) or the complainant.
A Fateful Meeting with the 'Cell President'
Desperate to see his brother who was held in a nearby cell, Onah managed to gain entry into that cell. It was there he encountered Harrison Gwamnishu, who he described as the 'cell president' during his own detention.
Speaking mostly in Pidgin English, Onah expressed his gratitude, stating that from the moment they met, Gwamnishu took care of him and other inmates. "He was the one taking care of us," Onah said, highlighting the activist's compassion despite being detained himself.
His detention lasted for a total of one week and five days before his release was secured. "He bailed me, which led to my release," Onah affirmed, directing his thanks to Gwamnishu.
Gwamnishu's Quiet Advocacy Behind Bars
For his part, Harrison Gwamnishu informed the public about Onah's case, explaining that he met the man during his own detention and discovered he was unjustly held. Gwamnishu revealed that he did not leave the facility alone but quietly worked to support the release of four individuals detained without cause, including Onah Abba.
This act has sparked a wave of commendation from netizens who praised Gwamnishu's unwavering commitment to helping others, even from within a cell.
Public Reaction to the Good Deed
Reactions compiled from social media show widespread admiration:
- Odida Clement noted: "Even inside prison Harrison still [is] rescuing people... This one no be ring light matter."
- Chinyere Izuorah exclaimed: "Harrison oh what a good soul you are!! You still advocating for people inside cell."
- Chiedu Collins commented: "You were made for this and more! It was a momentary distraction needed for the leap ahead."
Background on Gwamnishu's Detention
Harrison Gwamnishu was himself held in police custody after allegations emerged that he removed N5.4 million from N20 million raised as ransom for a kidnapped couple in Edo State, where he acted as a middleman. He has since regained his freedom and received a warm welcome from supporters.
The video of Onah Abba's testimony continues to trend online, highlighting ongoing concerns about police procedures and the impactful intervention of activists within the justice system.
