BigBen: Activist Hails DSS, Agunachemba, Slams Police Over Kidnappings in Anambra

By Tony Okafor

Human rights activist and convener of the Recover Nigeria Project, Comrade Osita Obi, has commended the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) for their efforts in investigating the kidnapping of Benjamin Ezenma, alias BigBen, and others in Anambra State.

However, Obi strongly criticized the Nigeria Police Force for their alleged inaction and extortionate practices.

He expressed disappointment with the police’s handling of the kidnappings, stating that their failure to take substantial action would prompt him to organize a protest at the police headquarters in Awka.

Obi’s comments came during a press conference where he demanded answers on the whereabouts of BigBen, Agbasimelo, and Azuka, all of whom have been kidnapped.

He urged the security operatives to identify and bring the kidnappers to justice.

While praising the DSS for their “wonderful job” in the state, Obi lamented the police’s focus on extortion at roadblocks rather than providing security surveillance to protect the people of Anambra State.

He also criticized the practice of deploying retiring police officers to Anambra State, describing it as a dumping ground for those seeking to enrich themselves before retirement.

In a positive note, Obi commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Agunachemba programme, which he believes has improved the state’s security situation.

Obi specifically expressed concern about the disappearance of Mr. Benjamin Ezemma, Vice Chairman of Dubai Estate, also known as Big Ben, who went missing on November 12.

“We are here to encourage the government to find Ben Ezemma. It is Ben today, it may be any one of us tomorrow. We know that the government has the capacity to find this man.”

Obi questioned the use of SIM registration and NIN registration data, wondering why the federal government couldn’t use this information to locate missing persons like Ben.

He urged the police, DSS, NSA, and other security agencies to take action and track down Ben’s kidnappers, even if it means monitoring his call logs through his service providers.