Mother Of Former Nwobodo Aide Pleads For Son’s Release Amid Custody Dispute
THE mother of Usman Gambo, a former aide to the wife of elder statesman and ex-governor of old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo, has appealed for her son’s release, insisting he is innocent of allegations of theft and attempted arson.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, 70-year-old Memuna Ugoji described her son as blameless and claimed the police had searched his home in Abia State without finding any evidence.
“I gave birth to him; he has never stolen from anyone. The police have been to his house in Abia and found nothing. I swear to God, he didn’t steal the missing gold or dollars. They should please release him,” Ugoji said, adding that the stress of the arrest had affected her health.
Gambo was reportedly arrested on 5 July 2025 in Aba, Abia State, and transferred to the Force Intelligence Department (SRT) in Guzape, Abuja, following allegations from his aunt and former employer, Felicia Nwobodo, wife of Senator Jim Nwobodo.
Gambo’s legal team, led by J.J. Momoh, accused the police of unlawful detention, torture, and arbitrary bail conditions. The petition stated that even after providing a level 14 officer as surety, the bail requirement was suddenly raised to two level 16 officers, which the lawyers described as an abuse of power.
“Our client’s arrest, unlawful detention, and dehumanisation were due to malicious allegations from his aunt and former employer. The police have judged him guilty without due process,” the petition read.
The legal team urged authorities to either release Gambo on bail to a reliable surety or charge him in court if evidence supports the allegations.
The police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said Gambo’s detention was legal and confirmed he would be taken to court on Monday.
“He is being detained on court order. The offence is arson. He and others allegedly set a house ablaze and looted items. He will be charged in court on Monday,” Adejobi said.
Meanwhile, Felicia Nwobodo described Gambo as a “criminal” and accused him of repeated theft and orchestrating a fire that destroyed her home. She claimed he had stolen from her husband several times and introduced a security guard who participated in the alleged arson.
“Usman had the heart to set my house on fire. He told the gate man to put the house on fire. Valuable items accumulated over 40 years were lost,” she said.
The family dispute has drawn public attention as it pits accusations of criminality against claims of unlawful detention and abuse of authority, with both sides maintaining strongly conflicting narratives.
