Olumide Akpata Reacts to Lawyer’s Kidnap, Sets Up Taskforce

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata has reacted to the kidnap of a lawyer Paulette Bisola Ajayi by gunmen in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

He stated that he has ‘set up a Task Force to collaborate with the relevant authorities and do all that is possible to see to Bisola’s speedy release.’

Paulette was kidnapped as she was driving into her home in Rumukurushi, Port Harcourt.

Her mother Ngozi Ajayi was also brutalized as she tried to prevent the gunmen from taking her.

He wrote, “Last night, I received reports that Paulette Bisola Ajayi, a lawyer & daughter of Ngozi Ajayi (also a lawyer) was abducted by at least 4 gunmen dressed in combat fatigues & dark t-shirts in front of her home in Rumukurushi PH, as she was waiting for her gate to be opened. Her mother and others who tried to prevent her from being taken away were brutalised and shot at by these men who eventually dragged Bisola out of her car and took her away in their own car, a white Toyota Venza.”

“The increasing spate of such incidents is indeed disheartening. I have spoken to Bisola’s mother to assure her of our support and assistance towards the rescue of her daughter.
I have also spoken to the Governor of Rivers State, the Attorney-General of Rivers State and the Rivers State Police Command to request their assistance in ensuring the safe return of our colleague.
I have also set up a Task Force to collaborate with the relevant authorities and do all that is possible to see to Bisola’s speedy release. She will also remain in our prayers.”