TheCable

The police command in Bayelsa has arraigned two suspects over alleged conspiracy and attempt to kidnap Ebi Ayama, a brother to Douye Diri, governor of the state.

The suspects were arraigned in a high court sitting in Yenagoa, the state capital, on Friday.

Asinim Butswat, the police spokesperson, identified the suspected kidnappers as Lucky Oghenebrume (53) and Omobowho Okpowodo (52).

Butswat said both men were arrested by officers of Operation Puff Adder in November 2023 at Mbiama community in Rivers state.

A police prosecutor who spoke in court said Oghenebrume was the brain behind the attempt to kidnap the governor’s brother.

He told the court that the suspect was on the wanted list of the Bayelsa police command.

The prosecutor said Oghenebrume was involved in the abduction of one Fyneman in the Sagbama area of Bayelsa, noting that N50 million was paid as ransom.

He added that the second suspect, Okpowodo, owns a motor mechanic workshop where the governor’s brother repairs his vehicles.

He said Okpowodo was reportedly overheard last year planning to abduct Ayama on his way from Ekeremor LGA.

The two suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges against them by the police.

Timipre Songi, the presiding judge, adjourned the case till February, 27. 

In 2016, Nancy Dickson, younger sister of Seriake Dickson, former governor of Bayelsa state, was abducted from her business place in Yenagoa.