Former NBA President, Wali Released By Kidnappers After 13 Days

The immediate past National President of the Nigerian Bar Association
(NBA), Chief Okey Wali, SAN, has been released after 13 days in the
kidnappers' den.

According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad
Muhammad, Wali was released Thursday night. He however did not say if
a ransom was paid to the kidnappers to secure his release.

The former NBA president was abducted in Rumualogu area of Obio Akpor
Local Government area, Rivers State, while on his way to see his
brother, reports have said.

Also confirming Wali's release, Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN, who
succeeded Wali as NBA president said in a statement that Wali was
released from captivity around 11pm.

"I have personally spoken to him and can confirm that he is hale,
hearty and in good spirit," he stated.

He extended Wali's appreciation to members of the Bar and the Bench,
the security agencies, friends and family for their concern, support
and prayers during the period of his ordeal.

Alegeh commended members of the NBA for keeping calm throughout the
period of Wali's abduction and for "not taking any steps that may have
directly or indirectly jeopardised the efforts for his safe release
which have now yielded positive results".

The NBA president also expressed appreciation to the security agencies
for their efforts to ensure Wali's release.

"The Nigerian Bar also wishes to place on record its appreciation of
the efforts of the security agencies in securing the safe release of
Okey Wali, SAN. The Director General of the State Security Services
[SSS], the Inspector General of Police and the SSS State Directors and
Police Commissioners in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo states who
worked tirelessly to secure his safe release deserve special mention.

"While we celebrate the safe release of Okey Wali we must hasten to
reiterate the fact that the spate of kidnappings and general state of
insecurity in Our Country is cause for great concern," he said.

Osio Agama, a sister to Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke was
also reported to have been kidnapped in Port Harcourt on Tuesday
night. She is yet to regain her freedom.