Harrison Gwamnishu Receives Warm Welcome as He Regains Freedom After 2 Weeks in Custody
- Activist Harrison Gwamnishu has regained his freedom after spending two weeks in police detention over allegations linked to ransom funds for a kidnapped couple in Edo State
- His release followed a High Court decision granting him bail while investigations remain ongoing
- Videos of his return sparked mixed reactions online as supporters celebrated while critics questioned unresolved issues surrounding the kidnapping case
Activist Harrison Gwamnishu has regained his freedom after spending two weeks in police detention in Edo State, and his return home was marked by cheers from community members, though one key issue around the case remains unresolved.
Gwamnishu was held after allegations emerged that he removed N5.4 million from N20 million raised by the family of a kidnapped couple in Edo State.
Source: Instagram
The money was reportedly meant to be paid as ransom to secure the couple’s release, with Gwamnishu acting as a middleman between the family and the abductors.
Following the allegations, Gwamnishu was invited by the police for questioning and was subsequently held in detention.
He remained in custody until last week, when a High Court in Edo State granted him bail pending the conclusion of investigations.
On the evening of his release on December 22, 2025, the activist confirmed he was free and shared a video showing residents of his community welcoming him warmly.
Watch the video below:
Gwamnishu speaks after release
In a detailed statement posted on his Instagram page, Gwamnishu denied claims that he was arrested, insisting he went to the police voluntarily.
He wrote:
“Dear Family,
I am pleased to inform you all that I have been released from custody. Words cannot express how grateful I am for your support, especially considering that many of you had not yet heard my own side of what truly happened.”
Clarifying his status, he added:
“For clarity, I was neither invited nor arrested by the Police. As a law-abiding citizen, I voluntarily presented myself for investigation regarding the incident.”
Gwamnishu also noted that he had not been charged, as the matter is still being reviewed by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
Despite his long-standing advocacy against police brutality, the activist commended the Edo State Police Command for their conduct.
He praised the Commissioner of Police and the investigation team led by CSP Osagie, describing their approach as professional and supportive during his detention.
He also expressed gratitude to his lawyers for securing his release.
Check out his post below:
Mixed reactions trail his release
Social media users expressed mixed feelings about the activist's release, with some celebrating while others questioned the outcome.
Legit.ng compiled the reactions of netizens below:
@tessykay said:
"We love you Harrison, nothing has changed and nothing will change... I'm just glad you now know that that very dirty lousy boyy is your enemy, I remember when we warmed you to stop posting him and calling him your colleague at his lowest. But how he did you dirty atyour lowest 😂😂 I'm glad you can now clearly see your enemies for yourself ... We love and root for you dear 🔥"
@kar_amariam commented:
"All I can say now is, Nigeria's we deserve our give. Big time, we left the two main issues, he stole 5.4 million naira, the man is still with the kidn$ppers. Nigeria my country. President tinubu we deserve you. To all my politicians i love you all. Continue to carry all the money, I support you all. Nigeria's before una go get sense he go tey. Now we are celebrating theft."
@babyface8770 reacted:
"Harrison for no just talk, because that him damage control Dey damage him reputation. Police no invite you, police no arrest you. Yet, you spend 2 weeks in prison. Na your house rent expired?"
@iam_glo_b wrote:
"A good man God bless you Harrison 😍"
@ayahoneyberry opined:
"Thank God dearest😍😍😍, welcome back Harrison"
Source: Instagram
Man shares experience working with Harrison Gwamnishu
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian man, @thebardogbamola, shared his experience working with Harrison Gwamnishu on the “Stopping Child Brides” initiative.
He said they worked on a case involving a woman in need, where funds were raised but were later rejected after a Lagos State agency took over.
The man described Gwamnishu as passionate about causes rather than driven by money, offering a personal view amid the ongoing controversy.
Source: Legit.ng
