A former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Okey Wali, has been kidnapped again in Rivers.

Mr Wali was reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Monday, on the East–West Road of Obio/Akpor council area.

The NBA president, Yakubu Maikyau, appealed to the kidnappers not to harm the former NBA boss and assured them of the association’s full support to the family.

“Mr Okey Wali, SAN, was the 26th president of the NBA and has served this nation in varying capacities, contributing immensely to the growth of the legal practice and in the promotion and entrenchment of the rule of law,” Mr Maimyau said in a statement.

He added, “I, therefore, hereby plead with the abductors not to harm Wali and make a passionate appeal for his release to his family.”

The NBA said the kidnap was a sad reminder of the weakness in the nation’s security system and the need for the federal government to live up to the constitutional duty of providing for the welfare and security of all Nigerians.

“We urge the inspector general of police and the commissioner of police, Rivers state command, to leave no stone unturned as they work towards the safe release of our dear learned friend,” he said.

On October 15, 2014, Mr Wali was abducted in Rumualogu in Port Harcourt while visiting his brother in the neighbourhood.

Mr Wali was the 26th president of the NBA.

(NAN)