“Pregnant Woman’s Kidnap Horror Turns Scandal: Activist Accused of Stealing Ransom, Escapes Police!”
By Passman Akpos
Aviele, Edo State — A disturbing twist has emerged in the case of a pregnant woman and her husband abducted from their home in Aviele near Auchi, Edo State, following allegations that a volunteer who offered to deliver ransom money diverted several millions and fled during a police investigation.
The saga began when a medical doctor publicly appealed for help after his sister and her husband were kidnapped by suspected armed bandits. The abductors initially demanded ₦50 million, a negotiation that was later reduced to ₦20 million following intervention efforts.
According to family sources, human rights activist Harrison—who had been assisting the family since the abduction—volunteered to deliver the ransom. When asked whether he wanted financial compensation for the risky task, he reportedly declined.
Family members said Harrison received ₦20 million in cash plus an additional ₦50,000 to correct possible counting discrepancies before heading to meet the kidnappers.
Shock as Kidnappers Reject the Money
The family recounted how panic spread when the abductors later informed them that the ransom was incomplete. Given the volatile situation, relatives feared the kidnappers might act violently against the pregnant woman and her husband.
In a frantic effort to secure their release, the family sought help from the police.
Police Intervene; Alleged Confession Emerges
At the police station, Harrison was interrogated. According to police sources cited by the family, he confessed to having removed a portion of the ransom money. Officers who proceeded to his hotel reportedly found cash split between a backpack and a nylon bag.
He allegedly returned about ₦5 million to the police and promised to return with the rest of the missing amount. However, before investigations could continue, Harrison reportedly escaped from the station, abandoning his vehicle.
Unanswered Questions
The uncertainty surrounding the incident has caused widespread public concern. Neither the family nor police sources have confirmed exactly how much of the ₦20 million was diverted.
“If he could drop ₦5 million and promise to bring ‘the rest,’ then how much did he even pay as ransom?” one family member asked, distressed over the risk posed to the kidnapped couple.
Earlier: Kidnappers Release Disturbing Video of Abducted Couple
The ransom controversy followed the release of a harrowing video showing the abducted husband holding his pregnant wife, both pleading frantically for help while surrounded by kidnappers carrying rifles.
The disturbing footage sparked national outrage and renewed fears about deteriorating security conditions in Edo State.
Residents reacted emotionally online:
“Even traveling home for Christmas is risky now.”
“Everyone must be security conscious; they now kidnap right from homes.”
“How are guns getting into criminals’ hands?”
Many expressed fear that ransom payments embolden criminal syndicates, allowing them to purchase more weapons.
Security Debate Intensifies
The kidnapping revived conversation around:
Community vigilante structures
Police response
National identification and biometric systems
Illegal arms control
Some citizens urged urgent government action, citing past intervention successes.
Calls also grew for coordinated operations between police, vigilantes, and local youths before the criminals relocate deeper into bush terrains.
No Official Confirmation Yet
Authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the alleged ransom diversion or the current whereabouts of Harrison.
Meanwhile, the Aviele community remains tense and fearful as efforts continue to secure the safe return of the abducted couple.
This report reflects accounts provided by the family, police interrogators, and eyewitness descriptions circulating in public space at the time of filing.
