By Our Reporter
Four men found guilty of kidnapping an ex-commissioner in Bayelsa State have been sentenced to 40 years in prison.
The state High Court sitting in Ogbia Local Government Area sentenced each of the four men to 40 years for kidnapping Hon Federal Otokito, former commissioner for trade and investment in the state.
Recall that Otokito was kidnapped on January 20, 2022, and taken to Igbomotoru bush, where the kidnappers demanded ransom for his release.
The presiding judge, Justice S. W. Amaduobogha, while delivering judgment in the suit numbered OHC/4C/2022, declared that Kingsley Obhesi (24), Joshua Abi (32), Gift Damene (38) and Powell Inegite (36) were guilty of 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 associates of a prominent ex-militant leader from the Southern Ijaw Local Government area of the state.
Police Prosecuting Counsel Stella Jerry-Friday Esq, while briefing the court, said the convicts, on January 20, 2022, at Otuokpoti in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa, and armed with sophisticated guns and offensive weapons, unlawfully took away Otokito against his will.
Justice Amaduobogha, after hearing from the police prosecution counsel and the defence counsel, declared that the investigative and prosecution team had done due diligence and proof beyond reasonable doubt the case of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms against the convicts.
Some members of the Otuokpoti Community, where the former commissioner hails from, commended Bayelsa State Police Command, particularly the operatives of Operation Puff Adder, led by Supol Chris Nwaogbo, for their diligent investigation and prosecution.
Otokito Federal Oparmiola was abducted from his residence in Otuokpoti, Ogbia LGA of the state.
The gunmen were reported to have invaded the neighbourhood, shooting randomly into the air to frighten the locals before whisking the former commissioner away.
