Controversy has erupted surrounding celebrated Nigerian security activist Harrison Gwamnishu after the family of a kidnapped Edo couple accused him of refusing to hand over the full ransom money raised to secure their loved ones’ release — igniting a heated public dispute and police involvement.

According to family members, Gwamnishu volunteered to accompany and deliver a ₦20 million ransom raised to free Mr. and Mrs. Segiru — a couple abducted from their home in Aviele, Etsako West LGA, Edo State late last November. The family said the money was pooled over days of intense negotiation with kidnappers after initial demands of ₦50 million proved too high.

The crisis deepened when only the pregnant wife was released, while the husband remained in kidnappers’ custody. The family insisted that when the ransom reached the kidnappers, the suspects claimed it was incomplete — leading to the partial release. In social media posts, a relative publicly condemned Gwamnishu, alleging he refused to deliver the full money as agreed and “risked” the victims’ lives by not ensuring the full ransom was handed over. In one widely shared statement, the family representative described the activist as untrustworthy and accused him of having “admitted and remitted ₦5.4 million to the Auchi Area Police Command” before leaving the scene, claims that Gwamnishu has denied. In response to the accusations, Harrison Gwamnishu took to social media to deny taking any ransom money. He said his role was never to benefit financially but to assist in tracking the kidnappers through technological means and coordinate with security agencies. He explained that although the kidnappers had initially demanded ₦50 million, the family negotiated to pay ₦20 million, which they delivered with the understanding that only the wife might be freed. Gwamnishu also said in his rebuttal that he traveled to Edo State on his own accord to help track the kidnappers and did not discuss payment for his assistance. He maintained that no money was stolen and that he did not flee the state. The incident has sparked debate across social platforms, with critics questioning the involvement of private citizens in dangerous ransom negotiations and others urging transparency from both the activist and the family. Meanwhile, the husband remains in captivity, and local police have indicated they are gathering reports on the matter. As the situation continues to unfold, calls for an official investigation into the handling of the ransom funds and the safety of the remaining victim have grown louder, with many Nigerians watching closely for clarity and justice.