The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of billionaire businessman Chief Obasi Lawson and the tragic deaths of his two aides.
According to reports, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, some unknown gunmen abducted Obasi, who serves as the Board of Trustees Chairman of the Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) and owns SOBAZ Oil and Gas, in Azumini community, Abia State. The gunmen also killed his driver, Anayo Ukwu, and his Special Assistant, Mazi Confidence Chijioke, who is also the Vice President of the association in Rivers State, while they were accompanying him in his vehicle.
The National Publicity Secretary of PETROAN, Joseph Obele, confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday evening. He stated that the assailants ambushed Obasi’s vehicle, leading to the deaths of his driver and aide.
“The ambush occurred on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at approximately 7 p.m., when Chief Obasi Lawson’s SUV was attacked. His driver, Mr. Anayo Ukwu, and his Special Assistant, Mazi Confidence Chijioke, lost their lives during the ambush, while the three police officers traveling with them managed to escape,” the statement read.
“Mazi Confidence Chijioke was a well-respected figure within PETROAN, holding key roles such as the Vice Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter and Managing Director of Dozzman Filling Stations,” the statement continued. “The association is deeply concerned about Chief Obasi Lawson’s whereabouts and is urging the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the three policemen who were with him during the incident.”
On Friday, March 7, 2025, the Abia State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed that an investigation into the abduction is ongoing. According to the statement, police received a report from Sergeant Judge Gubi detailing the incident.
“On March 4, 2025, at about 9:30 p.m., we were informed that Sergeant Judge Gubi, ASP Tanko Natip, and Inspector Ernest, who were attached as escorts to Chief Obasi Lawson, had traveled to Arochukwu. On their return to Port Harcourt, through Azumini Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area, they were ambushed near Mkap Jekere Ndoki at around 7 p.m. An unknown dark blue Sienna vehicle carrying unidentified gunmen blocked their path and opened fire. While the officers returned fire, a second group of gunmen kidnapped Chief Lawson, forcing the officers into their vehicle and taking them to an unknown location, leaving his driver and one other person dead.”
The police quickly deployed tactical teams to the scene, and efforts to rescue the victim unharmed are ongoing. The crime scene has been visited by police operatives, and the area is currently being combed.
The Commissioner of Police for Abia State, CP Danladi Isa, visited the scene along with the Deputy Commissioner of Operations and other teams. He assured residents that intensive patrols have been activated in the area and urged them to remain vigilant and security-conscious.
He also advised the public to report any individuals with gunshot wounds or any sightings of a dark blue Sienna vehicle to the nearest police station or contact the Command’s emergency lines at: 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, 08079210006.