A Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa has sentenced two men to death by hanging for their roles in the 2022 killing of three people, including an in-law of Governor Douye Diri.
The convicts, Gideon Atama, 32, and Clever OVO, 33, were found guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder and attempted murder in connection with the incident.
The victims were identified as Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law of the governor; 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.
The two men were arrested by operatives of the Police Violent Crime Response Unit, formerly known as Operation Puff Adder, during an investigation coordinated by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
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.
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 verdict.
Nwanlia was said to have suffered health complications, including hypertension and stroke, while in custody at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre.
Following the judgment, relatives of the victims commended the police investigation team led by CSP Nwaogbo for its role in the arrests and investigation.
They also praised the Bayelsa State Government, particularly the Ministry of Justice, for what they described as the diligent prosecution of the case.
