Gunmen abduct ex-NBA president Okey Wali

Okey Wali, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has been abducted by gunmen.

Wali was reportedly kidnapped on Monday after his convoy was attacked along the east-west road in Obio/Akpor LGA, Rivers state.

In a statement on Tuesday, Yakubu Maikyau, NBA president, appealed to the abductors to release Wali to his family.

Maikyau said Wali, who was the 26th president of the NBA, “served this nation in varying capacities, contributing immensely to the growth of legal practice”.

“I, therefore, hereby plead with the abductors not to harm Mr Wali, SAN and make a passionate appeal for his release to his family,” the NBA president said.

“The NBA stands with and assures his family of our full support in this trying period, even as we join in praying for his safe return home.

“This ugly incident is yet another sad reminder of the weakness in our security system and the failure of successive governments to live up to the constitutional duty of providing 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 learned friend.”

Confirming the incident, Grace Iringe-Koko, Rivers police spokesperson, told TheCable on Tuesday that the tactical squad has been mandated to secure the release of the former NBA president.

On October 11, 2014, Wali was kidnapped in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital.

After 13 days in captivity, the former NBA president was granted his freedom.