Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Okey Wali, has been freed after being kidnapped by armed men in military uniform two weeks ago, News About Nigeria reports.
Wali, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was abducted at Obiri-Kwere in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The abductors stopped the vehicle carrying Okey Wali and fired shots, resulting in the death of the driver and another member of the entourage.
The attackers then abducted the Wali and fled the scene.
News About Nigeria recalls that the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau, made a passionate appeal to the kidnappers to release him unharmed.
Yakubu described Wali’s kidnapping as a sad reminder of the weaknesses in the nation’s security system and called on the federal government to fulfill its constitutional duty of providing security and welfare for all Nigerians.
However, Viktor Benibo, the Port Harcourt Branch Chairman of the NBA, confirmed Wali’s release, stating that he was released in the early hours of Monday and is now back home.
This is not the first time Okey Wali will be kidnapped.
He was abducted on October 15, 2014, in Rumualogu, Port Harcourt, while visiting his brother in the area.
As a respected legal practitioner and the 26th NBA President, his kidnapping sent shockwaves across the country and underscored the urgent need for improved security measures to protect Nigerians.
Wali is renowned for his service to the nation in various capacities.
He has made immense contributions to the growth of legal practice and has been instrumental in the promotion and entrenchment of the rule of law in Nigeria.
