A Bayelsa State High Court in Ogbia Local Government Area has sentenced a four-man gang to 40 years imprisonment each for kidnapping former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Federal Otokito, in 2022.
Presiding Judge, Justice S.W. Amaduobogha, declared Kingsley Obhesi (24), Joshua Abi (32), Gift Damene (38), and Powell Inegite (36) guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms in case OHC/4c/2022.
The convicts were apprehended by Operation Puff Adder, led by Supol Chris Nwaogbo, and are believed to be associated with a prominent ex-militant leader from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
Police Prosecutor Stella Jerry-Friday Esq stated that the kidnappers, armed with sophisticated weapons, unlawfully took Otokito from Otuokpoti in Ogbia LGA to Igbomotoru bush in Southern Ijaw with the intent to demand ransom.
Justice Amaduobogha commended the police investigation and prosecution for proving the case beyond reasonable doubt. Otuokpoti community members praised the Bayelsa Police Command and Operation Puff Adder for their diligent work.
Federal Otokito was abducted from his Otuokpoti residence, with the gunmen firing into the air to intimidate locals before taking him away.
