Abducted Abia Oil Magnet Regains Freedom

Chief Obasi Lawson, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, who was abducted at Azunmiri in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, has regained freedom after spending about one month in captivity.

Commissioner for Information, Abia State, Prince Okey Kanu, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Umuahia, said the oil magnet was rescued alive and in good condition.

”He was rescued alive about two days ago and he is hale and hearty”, the Commissioner said, but refrained from giving further details.

Recall that the oil merchant, also known as SOBAS, was abducted on March 4, 2025, after his motorcade was intercepted by armed men who killed his driver and one of the security personnel escorting him.

Lawson was returning to his base in Port Harcourt after visiting his home in Arochukwu, Abia State, when the incident occured.

The Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, had in a statement issued after the incident, said: “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.”