A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Ogbia Local Government Council Area has sentenced four men to 40 years in prison each for kidnapping the former Commissioner for Trade and Investment in Bayelsa State, Hon. Federal Otokito, in 2022.
Presided over by Justice S.W. Amaduobogha, the court found Kingsley Obhesi (24), Joshua Abi (32), Gift Damene (38), and Powell Inegite (36) guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms in case number OHC/4c/2022.
The convicted men, arrested by operatives of Operation Puff Adder led by Supol Chris Nwaogbo, were identified as associates of a prominent ex-militant leader from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, who has been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army.
Police Prosecuting Counsel, Stella Jerry-Friday, informed the court that the convicts, armed with sophisticated guns and offensive weapons, unlawfully abducted Federal Oparminola Otokito and took him to Igbomotoru bush in Southern Ijaw with the intent to demand ransom or other unlawful considerations.
Justice Amaduobogha, after reviewing the evidence and hearing from both the prosecution and defense counsels, declared that the investigative and prosecution teams had proven the case of conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms beyond a reasonable doubt.
Members of the Otuokpoti community, where Otokito hails from, have commended the Bayelsa Police Command, particularly the operatives of Operation Puff Adder led by Supol Nwaogbo, for their diligent investigation and prosecution.
