Bayelsa court jails Otokito’s kidnappers for 40 years each
Ex-commissioner's abductors found guilty of multiple charges
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Ogbia Local Government Council Area has sentenced the four men who kidnapped the Former Commissioner for Trade and Investment in Bayelsa State, Hon. Federal Otokito in 2022 to 40 years each in prison.
The Court, presided over by Justice S.W. Amaduobogha, while delivering judgement in suit numbered OHC/4c/2022, declared that Kingsley Obhesi (24 yrs), Joshua Abi (32 yrs), Gift Damene (38 yrs) and Powell Inegite (36 yrs) are guilty as charged on conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.
The convicted persons were arrested by operatives of Operation Puff Adder led by Supol Chris Nwaogbo and believed to be boys working with a prominent ex-militant leader from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, who was declared wanted by the Nigerian Army.
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The Police Prosecuting Counsel, Stella Jerry-Friday, while briefing the court stated that “the convicts armed with sophisticated guns and offensive weapons, unlawfully took away Federal Oparminola Otokito against his will to Igbomotoru bush in Southern Ijaw area of the State with the intent to demand ransom or any other unlawful consideration and thereby committed an offence.”
Justice S.W. Amaduobogha, after hearing from the Police Prosecution counsel and the Defence counsels, declared that the investigative and prosecution team had done due diligence and proved beyond reasonable doubt the case of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms against the convicts.
Some 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.
