Prof. John Okoli of the Faculty of Engineering and Director of Institute of Offshore Technology of the University of Port Harcourt who was abducted around 9 pm last Monday by unknown gunmen has been freed.
It was gathered that the Professor was released and brought back to his private residence in the University host community of Omuato-Aluu, in the suburb of the Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital at about 9 pm on Wednesday (exactly the time he was abducted) by his abductors.
It was not known if a ransom was paid to secure the Professor’s freedom as at the time of writing this story.
A very close relation confirmed the Professor has been freed last night through a text message: “We thank God. He has been released. Thanks for your concern and prayers. He has reunited with his family and in good health.”
Omoni Nnamdi, the Police Public Relations officer of the Rivers Police Command could not be reached at about 10.30 pm when the news of the Professor’s release broke.
Prof Okoli was the former Dean Faculty of Engineering, UNIPORT, a devout Christian and member of the Scripture Union.
