Former chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Samuel Ohiri has stated that the police did not secure his release from his abductors.
The traditional ruler was kidnapped in Orodo Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State on June 6, and was released after 12 days. The Imo Police Command had claimed it secured the victim’s release in collaboration with other security agencies.
However, speaking with newsmen on Friday, the monarch explained that “Contrary to what the police said about my release, there is no hiding the fact that they never played any role.
“I actually don’t want to speak on this but I’m doing it just to set the records straight. I’m not disputing the fact that the police may have made efforts towards my release but I’m talking about what I know.
“It was my relationship with God and the help from my family people that made it possible. Although, that was after we paid ransom.”
Recounting his ordeal, Ohiri said “I was coming back after visiting my friend around 8:30pm, when I met able-bodied men in front of my palace gate who came in their vehicle.
“They double-crossed me and forced me into their vehicle. My cousin brother smartly introduced himself as my driver and they set him free. They now blindfolded me and zoomed off to an unknown destination. “I saw hell within the twelve days I spent in their den. Negotiations began between my people and the kidnappers and I was eventually set free after the payment of first and second ransom was made.”
