A 27-year-old man by the name Effiong Jeremiah Essien, a Nigerian entrepreneur and ex professional footballer, has cried out for help as a result of threats he is facing from a highly influential political figure who has a strong connection with the Ogun State House of Assembly, by the name Isumaila Sanusi, after he refused to process a $300,000 cash transaction into digital trading.
Effiong Essien recounted that the nightmare began in early 2023, when a representative of Mr. Sanusi brought him a whopping $300,000 in cash at his office in Sagamu, Ogun State, on a sunny afternoon, after their first meeting at a political event his mother was invited to.
Essien Effiong refused to be a party to this deal, citing its legal implications and his fears.
He stated, “My life has been threatened since I declined”. He further added the perils he faced across multiple states.
April 7, 2023: At Sagamu, Ogun State, in my business premises, I luckily escaped some armed men through the back door.
April 18, 2023: At my friend’s house, Adedeji Ogunyemi, the same men launched another attack, and I ran through the window and hid in the bush for hours.
December 10, 2023: Effiong Essien was trailed to Taraba, He was spotted in a crowded market but managed to hide behind an elderly market vendor’s stall.
April 7, 2024: While staying with his friend, Samuel Onuche. But in no time, he started receiving life-threatening calls that he couldn’t run forever but would definitely go down. These threats made him fearful of moving freely, restricting his right to freedom of movement.
Adverse effects on his family
Effiong Essien stated the emotional trauma and psychological effects of the life-threatening calls on his pregnant wife, Mrs Joy Essien, who has also been receiving calls from unknown callers.
Lack of Police intervention
Effiong Essien said his involvement of the Police to intervene couldn’t get him the required justice due to the personality of the tormentor.
No favourable response from Authorities
Several attempts have been made to contact Mr. Isumaila Sanusi, all of which turned futile. The Ogun State House of Assembly and the Nigerian Police Force have not granted every request made for comments.
“I am speaking out because I feared for the safety of my life, family and those closely related to me”.
May 28 2024
