The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has issued a directive to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, instructing a thorough investigation into criminal allegations leveled against Harrison Gwamnishu, a prominent human rights activist based in Delta State. The IGP’s letter, dated May 15, 2023, comes in response to a petition submitted earlier this month by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) and 17 other human rights organizations across Nigeria. The petition called for an inquiry into Gwamnishu’s alleged involvement in a multi-million Naira fraud case.
According to the petitioners, Gwamnishu, who identifies himself as a human rights activist and serves as the Director General of BehindG Bars Human Rights Foundation, is accused of defrauding Nnaji Franklin Ifeanyi, a Nigerian businessman based in Indonesia. It is alleged that Gwamnishu fraudulently obtained N6 million from Ifeanyi under the pretense of assisting him in reclaiming his land in Owerri, Imo State.
Tracy Mcwary, who claims to be the Chief Executive Officer of Miss Amnesty Nigeria and spoke on behalf of Gwamnishu, stated in a phone conversation with SaharaReporters that Gwamnishu had agreed to refund the money to Ifeanyi by June 30, 2023. Mcwary further questioned the motives behind the petition, suggesting that Ifeanyi should withdraw it if his sole intention is to retrieve his money rather than tarnish Gwamnishu’s reputation.
The publication of Gwamnishu’s alleged fraud against Ifeanyi has led to an outpouring of revelations on social media from other victims and witnesses who claim to have fallen prey to Gwamnishu’s fraudulent activities. RULAAC, acknowledging the growing number of accusations, described Gwamnishu as a “dubious character” who exploits his role as a human rights activist to carry out fraudulent acts against unsuspecting individuals seeking assistance.
In response to the IGP’s directive, RULAAC has urged anyone who has encountered Gwamnishu’s fraudulent schemes or has relevant information to share their stories via email at rulaac@rulaac.org. The collected accounts will be forwarded to the investigation team at the Delta State Police Headquarters.