Chief Obasi Lawson, a prominent oil businessman and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, has regained his freedom after spending nearly a month in captivity.
Lawson, who was abducted on March 4, 2025, in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, was rescued alive and in good health. This was confirmed by Abia State’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing in Umuahia.
“He was rescued alive about two days ago, and he is hale and hearty,” Kanu stated, without providing additional details about the operation.
Lawson, also known as SOBAS, was kidnapped while traveling back to Port Harcourt after visiting his hometown in Arochukwu, Abia State. His convoy was ambushed by armed men in a dark blue Sienna vehicle at Azumini Ndoki. During the attack, the gunmen opened fire, killing his driver and a security officer before taking him away to an undisclosed location.
Following the incident, the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, described the attack, stating:
“A dark blue Sienna vehicle carrying unidentified gunmen double-crossed them and opened fire on Lawson’s convoy while they were returning to Port Harcourt through Azumini Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area.
“While the officers were repelling the attack, another set of gunmen forcefully took Chief Lawson, ordered them into their vehicle, and took him to an unknown destination, leaving his driver and one other dead.”
In response to the rising insecurity, the Abia State Government has issued a strong warning to traditional rulers and community leaders, cautioning them against providing shelter to criminals.
Kanu stated that anyone found harboring criminals would face severe consequences, urging community leaders to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
“As is usual with security matters, I may not want to go into details of what happened to the businessman, but the state government is advising Abians to remain vigilant. Town unions and traditional rulers must be alive to their duties of keeping watch over their domains,” Kanu said.
He further warned that the government would begin closely monitoring traditional rulers to ensure they are not aiding or protecting criminals. Any leader found guilty of such acts would be sanctioned.
