Court Sentences Two To Death Days After Co-Defendant Dies In Courtroom

A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa on Tuesday sentenced two men to death by hanging after finding them guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder and attempted murder over the killing of three persons in the state.

The judgment came days after a third defendant standing trial in the same case reportedly slumped and died within the court premises while awaiting the court’s decision.

Justice Michael Amadise Ekade sentenced Gideon Atama, 32, and Clever OVO, 33, after considering evidence presented by the prosecution in suit number BYHC/YHC/CR/32/2025.

The defendants were convicted over their involvement in the 2022 killing of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; 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 third defendant, identified as 50-year-old Bethlehem Nwanlia, reportedly slumped and died within the premises of the Bayelsa State High Court on October 27 while awaiting judgment in the case.

Nwanlia was said to have suffered health complications, including high blood pressure and stroke, while in custody at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre.

Atama and OVO were arrested by operatives of the Police Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), formerly known as Operation Puff Adder, during an investigation led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.

Following Tuesday’s judgment, some relatives of the victims commended the police investigation team for the arrests and investigation that led to the conviction of the two defendants.

They also praised the Bayelsa State Government, particularly the Ministry of Justice, for what they described as the diligent prosecution of the case.