The family of Owombo Segun John, a Customs officer who exposed how refined petroleum products, particularly Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, are being trafficked to some other African nations has raised alarm over his continued detention.
Owombo is being detained by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) despite medical documents indicating that he is suffering from kidney disease.
Owombo was arrested after releasing a video in which he narrated how some smugglers he arrested on Wednesday, November 2, at Malabo Checkpoint on Belel Road, Adamawa state were freed by his superiors.
In November, It was reported how Owombo was transported to Abuja from Adamawa State to meet with the Comptroller General of Customs while in detention.
SaharaReporters had also reported that Owombo was set to undergo certain tests while in detention.
According to the results of tests performed at Karu General Hospital in Abuja and obtained by SaharaReporters, Owombo is suffering from a kidney disease that could worsen if not treated immediately.
Speaking to Newsmen on Thursday, a member of the family said they have been pleading with the authorities to release him so that he can get the required medical treatment.
“When they sent the results to me on WhatsApp, I forwarded the results (to my doctor). Owombo has hepatitis B, according to the doctor. When I consulted my doctor, he said he has a disease related to the kidney.
“We cannot do anything. He is supposed to go home now so that we can take him to our family doctor,” the relation told Newsmen.
Meanwhile, Owombo’s brother earlier narrated how his life was under threat.
He also described the claims by some people that the officer was suffering from a mental disorder as untrue.
He said, “My brother is a very brilliant man. Someone that was posted to Adamawa and has been working there since, how can you now say he is insane? That is a lie. They are just trying to cover up.”
“The claim that he was found naked is also not true. He told me that immediately after he released the video, he was attacked by some customs officers and tanker drivers. He even told me that if he is allowed, he has some evidence to back up his claim,” he added.
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