A tragic case of kidnapping, ransom, and alleged murder has taken a dramatic turn in Rivers State, as a man declared wanted by the police denies any involvement in a reported killing.
On 27 April 2023, Mr. Uwadia Godwin Ejeh’s younger sister was kidnapped along Igbo-Eche Road, Rivers State, by an armed gang. The following day, the kidnappers contacted the family, demanding a ransom of ₦8.5 million. Desperate to secure her release, the family reported the incident to the police, who assured them that efforts would be made to apprehend those responsible.
However, the kidnappers warned them against police involvement, threatening to kill the victim if authorities were alerted. Given the country’s harsh economic situation, raising the ransom money proved challenging. The family was only able to gather ₦3.6 million within the short deadline set by the abductors.
Tragically, before the ransom could be delivered, the gang contacted the family again, announcing that the victim had been killed. The devastating news left Mr. Ejeh in shock and grief.
As the family mourned, information surfaced that one of the kidnappers was the son of Mr. George Okwa, a man with whom the Ejeh family had a past land dispute. Seeking answers, Mr. Ejeh and some relatives confronted the Okwa family. However, in the midst of the argument, a man—allegedly a known cultist—stabbed Mr. Okwa to death.
Mr. Ejeh maintains that he neither ordered the attack nor had any involvement in the act. Nevertheless, following Mr. Okwa’s death on 16 May 2023, his family reported to the police, accusing Ejeh of mobilising a group to murder their father in retaliation for his sister’s kidnapping.
On the same day, the Nigeria Police declared Uwadia Godwin Ejeh wanted in connection with the murder of Mr. George Okwa. Fearing for his safety after alleged threats from Mr. Okwa’s family, Ejeh fled his home atNo. 6 Church Avenue, Port Harcourt, seeking refuge in an undisclosed location.
Now living in fear, Ejeh has stated that he is considering applying for a visa to leave the country, as he insists on his innocence and claims he was unfairly implicated in the murder.
The Rivers State Police Command has yet to make an official statement regarding the case. Meanwhile, residents are calling for a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served for all parties involved.