Daud Olatunji
A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has sentenced two men to death by hanging for their roles in the killing of three persons, including an in-law of Governor Douye Diri.
The convicts, identified as Gideon Atama, 32, and Clever OVO, 33, were found guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder and attempted murder over the 2022 killings.
The victims included Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law of Governor Diri; Francis Amabelimo, the Paramount Ruler of Kolibo community; and Samuel Oburo, Chairman of the Community Development Committee of Kalaba community, all in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Michael Amadise Ekade convicted the defendants and sentenced them to death by hanging after considering the evidence presented by the prosecution.
The case, with suit number BYHC/YHC/CR/32/2025, followed investigations by operatives of the Police Violent Crime Response Unit, formerly known as Operation Puff Adder.
The police investigation was reportedly led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, whose team was credited with tracking down and arresting the suspects.
Meanwhile, a third defendant, identified as 50-year-old Bethlehem Nwanlia, reportedly died within the premises of the Bayelsa State High Court on October 27 while awaiting the court’s decision.
Nwanlia was said to have slumped and died after developing health complications, including hypertension and stroke, while being held at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre.
Following Tuesday’s judgment, some relatives of the victims commended the police investigation team for its role in securing the arrests and prosecuting the case.
They also praised the Bayelsa State Government, particularly the Ministry of Justice, for what they described as diligent prosecution of the matter.
The convictions bring a major judicial development in the case involving the killing of the three prominent community figures in 2022.
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