Kidnappers have abducted billionaire business mogul Chief Obasi Lawson and shot two of his aides dead on the spot.
The Abia State Police Command confirmed the abduction of Chief Obasi Lawson, adding that the incident occurred on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Azumini community in Abia.
Obasi is the Board of Trustees Chairman of the Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria and owner of SOBAZ Oil and Gas.
ENigeria News understands that the gunmen during the operation shot and killed his driver, Anayo Ukwu, and his Special Assistant, Mazi Confidence Chijioke, in his vehicle.
The PETROAN National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Obele, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday evening, noting that the gunmen ambushed Obasi’s vehicle and abducted and killed his driver and aide.
“The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at around 7 pm, when Chief Obasi Lawson’s SUV was ambushed, resulting in the death of his driver, Mr. Anayo Ukwu, and his Special Assistant, Mazi Confidence Chijioke, who were with him. Meanwhile, the three policemen with them escaped,” the statement read.
“Mazi Confidence Chijioke was a highly respected member of PETROAN, serving as the Vice Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter, Managing Director of Dozzman filling stations, and holding various other positions within PETROAN.
“The association is deeply concerned about the whereabouts of Chief Obasi Lawson and is requesting that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, investigate the three policemen who were part of the team during the incident.”
The spokesperson of the command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement on Friday, March 7, 2025, said investigation over the abduction of Chief Obasi Lawson is ongoing.
“On 04/03/2025, at about 21:30 hrs, we received a report from Sergeant Judge Gubi that ASP Tanko Natip, Inspector Ernest, and himself from Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 6, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, who were attached as escorts to Chief Obasi Lawson, traveled to Arochukwu,” the statement read.
“At about 13:00 hours, while returning to Port Harcourt through Azumini Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area, they were ambushed at Mkap Jekere Ndoki around 19:00 hours.
“An unknown dark blue Sienna vehicle carrying unidentified gunmen double-crossed them and opened fire. While the officers were repelling the attack, another set of gunmen forcefully took Chief Lawson, ordered them into their vehicle, and took them to an unknown destination, leaving his driver and one other dead.
“Tactical teams were immediately drafted to the scene, and the area is presently being combed with the view to rescuing the victim unhurt.
“The crime scene has been visited, and the area is being combed by police operatives.
“The Commissioner of Police Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa immediately visited the area in company of DC Operations and other teams and urged residents to remain calm and security-conscious as intensive patrol has been activated in the area.
“He advised the public to report any individuals with gunshot wounds or any dark blue Sienna vehicle to the nearest police station or contact the Command emergency lines: 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, 08079210006.”
