Former NBA president Okey Wali abducted, lawyers’ group begs for his release

former president of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)Okey Wali, has been kidnapped, according to a statement issued by the bar association on Tuesday.

The 64-year-old Advocate General of Nigeria was abducted along East-West Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in the early hours of Monday, NBA statement said.

Yakubu Maikyau, the current president of the association and the 31st in line, called on the Inspector General of Police and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to “leave no stone unturned as they work towards the safe release of our dear friend”.

Mr Maikyau recalled that Mr Wali, who was the 26th president of the NBA between 2012 and 2014, “has served this nation in various capacities, contributed to the growth of legal practice and the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law”.

He described his predecessor, a lawyer based in Port Harcourt, as “a well-known philanthropist who has contributed in no small way to the development of his community”.

“Therefore, I hereby request the kidnappers not to harm Mr. Wali, SAN and make an impassioned appeal to release him to his family.

“The NBA extends our full support and reassurance to his family during this difficult time, even as we pray for his return home.”

Second kidnapping experience

This is Mr. Wali’s second abduction experience after he was intercepted and held by unknown persons in October 2014.

Mr. Wali, who was reportedly abducted in Rumuologu, Akpor, Rivers State in the traumatic episode which occurred few months after he finished his tenure as NBA President in July 2014.

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According to reports, the kidnappers abandoned his car and apprehended him from it in Ozuoba area of ​​Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

His latest abduction appears to be the first case involving a high-profile figure in a wave of kidnappings across the country that have dropped significantly earlier this year.

READ THE NBA’S FULL STATEMENT

NBA PRESIDENTS OKEY WALI, SAN

Mr. Okey Wali, SAN, one of our respected elders and a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has been reported kidnapped yesterday, April 17, 2023 after his convoy was attacked in the East. –Western Road, Obio/Akpor Rivers Local Government Area of ​​the State.

Mr. Okey Wali, SAN was the 26th President of the NBA and has served this nation in different capacities, contributing immensely to the growth of legal practice and the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law. He is a well-known philanthropist who has contributed greatly to the development of his community.

Therefore, I urge the kidnappers not to harm Mr. Wali, SAN, and make an impassioned call to release him to his family.

The NBA stands by his family and assures them of our full support during this difficult time, even as we join them in praying for his return home.

This ugly incident is another sad reminder of the weakness of our security system and the failure of successive governments to fulfill their Constitutional duty to provide 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 friend.

Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN

THE PRESIDENT