Court sentences two to death for murder of Diri’s in-law, 2 others in Bayelsa

Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa has handed down the death penalty to two people who have been convicted of killing three people, among whom is Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, in June 2022.

The others who lost their lives are the Paramour of Kalaba community, HRH Kolibo Francis Amabelimo, and Samuel Oburo.

The convicts, Gideon Atama, 32, and Clever Ovo 33, were arrested by a police investigation team attached to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), formerly known as Operation Puff Adder, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.

They were charged with conspiracy, kidnapping, murder and attempted murder in suit number BYHC/YHC/CR/32/2025.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, the presiding judge, Justice Michael Amadise Ekade, found the two defendants guilty after considering the evidence presented before the court and sentenced them to death by hanging.

The case had earlier suffered a setback following the death of another defendant, Bethlehem Nwanlia, 50, who reportedly slumped and died within the premises of the Bayelsa State High Court on October 27 while awaiting the court’s ruling.

Nwanlia was said to have developed health complications, including high blood pressure and stroke, while in custody at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre.

His death reduced the number of defendants facing judgment in the case.

The prosecution of the case followed investigations into the killings by the police, which led to the arrest of the suspects and their eventual arraignment before the state High Court.

Some family members of the deceased expressed appreciation to the police operatives attached to the VCRU, particularly the team led by CSP Nwaogbo, for the arrests and investigation that led to the conviction.

They also commended the Bayelsa State Government, through the Ministry of Justice, for what they described as the diligent prosecution of the case.

The families said the judgment was important to them, as it represented a step towards justice for their loved ones, who lost their lives in the 2022 attack.