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Harrison Gwamnishu

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Harrison Gwamnishu
Born
Harrison Emefiena Gwamnishu Otse

(1989-07-17) 17 July 1989 (age 35)
Delta State, Nigeria
Occupations
Years active2017–present
OrganizationBehind Bars Human Rights Foundation
AwardsThe Golden Stars Awards

Harrison Gwamnishu (born 17 July 1989) is a Nigerian human rights activist,[1] social entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Gwamnishu is known for his work in raising awareness about social justice issues, particularly regarding wrongful incarceration, legal reforms, and the well-being of prisoners.[2][3][4]

Biography

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Harrison Gwamnishu was born in Ubulu Ukwu, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State Nigeria.[5]

Career and Advocacy

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Gwamnishu rose to prominence for his advocacy work on behalf of prisoners, particularly those who have been unjustly incarcerated. Through his organisation Behind Bar Human Rights Foundation,[6][7] he has worked to highlight the harsh conditions faced by prisoners in Nigerian jails and to provide assistance in securing justice for individuals who have been wrongfully imprisoned.[8][9] His work extends to raising awareness about human rights violations,[10] and advocating for systemic reforms within Nigeria's legal and prison systems.[11] Among his significant contributions is his involvement in the case of Ada Jesus,[12] and the high-profile missing person cases of Celine Ndudim and Afiba Tandoh.[13][14][15]

Harrison Gwamnishu entered politics as a candidate for the Labour Party during the 2023 Delta State House of Assembly elections, representing the Aniocha South Constituency.[16][17] Although he lost this election, his participation marked his initial foray into public office.[18][19][20] Afterward, he pulled out, announcing his resignation from the Labour Party, citing persistent allegations that he betrayed the party during the campaign. In a social media statement, he expressed regret but noted that staying with the party could harm his reputation.[21] He reaffirmed his commitment to the "Obidient Movement," inspired by Peter Obi. Gwamnishu thanked the party leadership for their support and pledged to cooperate with any investigations to clear his name.[22]

In August 2024, Gwamnishu was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society and Youth Mobilization to the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori. He described this role as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the government and the public, emphasising his commitment to promoting justice, equality, and social progress.[23]

Controversy

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As a vocal advocate against human rights abuses, Gwamnishu has frequently clashed with law enforcement agencies.[24][25] In 2020, he was reportedly detained by police in connection with his public criticisms of police brutality in Nigeria.[26][27] In February 2024, Harrison accused officers from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of extorting ₦3.15 million from a resident in Auchi, Edo State.[28][29]

In July 2024, Harrison Gwamnishu publicly criticised Nigerian police spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi for remarks concerning the death of Erasmus Emeya, a 33-year-old detainee. Emeya's mother alleged that her son was tortured to death while in police custody. However, Adejobi stated that Emeya died of asphyxiation and not from torture, based on an autopsy conducted in the presence of the deceased's family doctors. Adejobi also described Emeya as a cultist and rapist. Gwamnishu condemned Adejobi's statements, accusing the police of prematurely labelling Emeya without a conviction and neglecting thorough investigations.[30]

On 24 October 2024, the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN),[31] issued a statement demanding an immediate retraction and apology from Harrison Gwamnishu for allegedly defamatory remarks about the institution.[32] The controversy arose after Gwamnishu shared a viral video online, claiming that a student had been beaten to death by unknown assailants on the university's premises. UNN refuted these allegations, labelling them as false and damaging to the institution's reputation.[33][34]

Assassination attempt

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In June 2021, Harrison Gwamnishu narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. According to his account, he was pursued by armed men in a black Hilux van marked with "Police" while driving near the Asaba International Airport.[35] Gwamnishu noticed the vehicle trailing him and began filming the incident with his phone. The armed men, dressed in black and reportedly carrying AK-47 rifles, pointed a weapon at him and attempted to shoot. He swerved his vehicle to evade them and escaped. Gwamnishu described the incident as the second attempt on his life and called on the Delta State Police Command to investigate and identify those responsible.[36]

Philanthropy

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In 2021, he started volunteering for Widows in Nigeria,[37][38] a nonprofit that aims to empower people to prevent violence and promote sustainable development.[39][40]

Recognitions

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  • 2022: Nominated for Human Rights Crusader of the Year Leadership Excellence Awards. By Igbere Tv.[41][42]
  • 2023:Nominated for Humanitarian of the Year Nigeria Achievers Awards.[43]
  • 2024: Recognised as Human Rights Activist of the Year The Golden Stars Awards.[44]

References

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  1. ^ "29-year-old man raped my daughter under my roof - Activist Gwamnishu". Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  2. ^ "Delta woman husband 'cage' her for four years on accuse say she be witch". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  3. ^ "Harrison Gwamnishu: Nwamadị a na 'Egbigwe' emeela udo n'etiti ha". BBC News Ìgbò (in Igbo). 6 August 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  4. ^ Aro, Busola (23 March 2022). "Glory Okolie, suspected IPOB informant, regains freedom after 9 months in custody". thecable.
  5. ^ "Meet Harrison Gwamnishu: The Activist Who Spent Four Years in Prison for a Crime He Didn't Commit". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  6. ^ David (8 September 2021). "#EndSARS: NGO launches rights abuses complaint forum on Delta radio". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  7. ^ Peter, Ola (16 November 2018). "Woman reportedly hires thugs to beat 'gateman' foor demanding his unpaid salary in Delta State". WITHIN NIGERIA. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  8. ^ Ojoye, Taiwo (3 March 2018). "Nigerian prison cells where inmates live like kings, use co-prisoners as servants". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  9. ^ Emmanuel, Olu (10 November 2024). "IGP orders detention of police officers, as Harrison Gwamnishu exposes their extortion activities". National Daily Newspaper. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  10. ^ "How Human Rights Activist rescued 15-year-old girl from forced marriage to 56-year-old man in Anambra | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  11. ^ "Harrison Gwamnishu: Ihe mere m ji enyere ndị a na-ebogide ebubo ụgha aka". BBC News Ìgbò (in Igbo). 7 May 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  12. ^ "Ada Jesus: Mmesoma Mercy bin want go live to thank pipo wey dey pray for her- Harrison Gwamnishu". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  13. ^ "'My life is in danger' - Activist who broke news on missing Ghanaian lady in Nigeria". ghanaweb. 16 June 2024.
  14. ^ "Missing Ghanaian lady's case in Nigeria stalled as prime suspect is killed during escape - Adomonline.com". 1 June 2024. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  15. ^ David, Samuel (6 June 2024). "'After Andrew Ochekwo was killed, over N80m was moved from his account' - Activist Harrison Gwamnishu". GIST — WITHIN NIGERIA. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  16. ^ Fadoju, Rachel Okporu (16 March 2023). "Thugs Attack Labour Party Candidate, Harrison During Campaign In Delta State". Naija News. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  17. ^ Yusuf, Ridwan (26 January 2022). "JUST IN: Popular activist joins politics, declares intention to run for House for Reps". Politics Nigeria. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  18. ^ "2023 election: 'I'm in serious debt, no longer mentally stable,' LP candidate cries out - Daily Trust". dailytrust. 30 September 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  19. ^ Sahabi, Ahmad (16 March 2023). "'Thugs' attack convoy of LP candidate for Delta assembly". TheCable. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  20. ^ paulcraft (1 October 2023). "2023 Election: 'I'm In Serious Debt, No Longer Mentally Stable,' LP Candidate Cries Out". NEWS PICKS — WITHIN NIGERIA. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  21. ^ Fadoju, Rachel Okporu (24 July 2024). "State Assembly Aspirant, Harrison Gwamnishu Dumps Labour Party". Naija News. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  22. ^ Dada, Adekunle (24 July 2024). "Former Delta assembly candidate, Gwamnishu quits Labour Party". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  23. ^ THEWILL (18 August 2024). "Harrison Gwamnishu appointed SSA to Delta State governor". Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  24. ^ Oyero, Kayode (26 August 2021). "BREAKING: Police invite activist over 'murder case' after calling for release of suspected ESN operative's girlfriend". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  25. ^ Abimbola, Oluwakemi (1 May 2018). "I'll reduce you to nothing, policeman threatens man who pleaded for brutalised keke rider". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  26. ^ "Activist Harrison Gwamnishu Faces Threats After Police Declare Him Enemy". Nigerian Bulletin - News, Lifestyle, Marketplace. 14 June 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  27. ^ Gists, Naija (22 October 2018). "Prince Harrison Gwamnishu Arrested: Police DPO Eyoh Anietie Who Tortured Boy To Death In Warri Detains Activist - NaijaGists.com - African Folktales, News, Motivation & Faith". naijagists.com. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  28. ^ Imukudo, Saviour (21 February 2024). "Rights activist accuses Force CID officers of N3 million extortion". www.premiumtimesng.com. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  29. ^ Opanuga, Jimisayo (2 February 2024). "LP candidate accuses Rivers police of protecting 'kidnapping' officers". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  30. ^ Fadoju, Rachel Okporu (5 July 2024). "GistDo Not Rush To The Media Without Facts – Harrison Gwamnishu Blasts Police Spokesperson, Adejobi". naijanews.
  31. ^ AMARACHI, OKONKWO (23 October 2024). "UNN seeks apology from blogger over false student death report". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  32. ^ Ede, Raphael (23 October 2024). "UNN refutes activist's claim, says no student killed, kidnapped". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  33. ^ Idika, Kalu (20 October 2024). "17-yr-old UNN female student beaten to death by unknown assailants". News Band. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  34. ^ "UNN denies student death on campus, demands apology from blogger | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  35. ^ Ogunyemi, Dele (24 June 2021). "Delta activist narrates 'miraculous' escape from suspected killers in police van". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  36. ^ "How I Narrowly Survived Second Assassination Attempt On My Life— Activist Cries Out | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  37. ^ Duru, Victor (5 May 2022). "Wowed widow prays for activist in video as he gives her access to rebuilt home". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  38. ^ Omotayo, Joseph (24 April 2022). "Kind Nigerian man transforms widow's mud house into modern structure in 1 week". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  39. ^ Abiola, Oladipo (26 November 2019). "Househelp Beaten And Fed With Cockroaches Rescued From Dungeon (Photos)". Naija News. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  40. ^ Duru, Victor (18 September 2021). "Nigerian man takes care of boy thrown into forest with hands-tied, shows him off". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  41. ^ jamesany. "VOTE: Human Rights Crusader of the Year 2022". igberetvnews.com. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  42. ^ sunnews (24 October 2022). "Sen. Shehu Sani Emerges 2022 Human Rights Crusader of the Year". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  43. ^ nigeriaachievers (9 June 2023). "2023 Nigeria Achievers Awards Nominees Unveiled". nigeria achievers awards. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  44. ^ Emmanuel, Olu (1 May 2024). "Human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, honored with prestigious award". National Daily Newspaper. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
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