Tensions flared at the Bayelsa State High Court following a bail request by two alleged celebrity kidnappers, Emmanuel Charles Angasei and John Lyon Ike, who cited health concerns amid their ongoing trial for involvement in multiple abductions across the state.
The accused, arrested in 2022, face charges related to the kidnapping of Danjuma Omieje, owner of Lozzy Supermarket and a former executive at Premium Trust Bank (formerly Sterling Bank), along with other prominent Igbo businessmen in Bayelsa State. Media attention around the arrests intensified due to Angasei’s reported family ties to then-APC governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon.
Angasei is also alleged to have been involved in the kidnapping of Nancy Dickson, the younger sister of former Bayelsa Governor and current Senator, Chief Seriake Dickson.
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Both men were apprehended by Operation Puff Adder, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, and arraigned at the State High Court on November 10, 2022, under suit number YHC/77c/2022, facing charges of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit felony.
The court drama unfolded when the accused requested bail on medical grounds. Presiding Justice I. Eradiri directed that their claims be verified through an independent medical examination.
The defence team, led by Barristers Stanley Damabide and Ebiki, argued that their clients were entitled to proper medical assessment. In response, Justice Eradiri ordered that representatives from Operation Puff Adder, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and both defence teams be present when the accused are taken to the Federal Medical Centre for evaluation on Friday, March 6, 2026.
During the proceedings, plainclothes police officers and members of the public voiced concerns over the bail request, questioning the authenticity of the health claims.
A senior police officer, who requested anonymity, told reporters that the alleged health issues appeared exaggerated. According to him, the accused enjoyed preferential treatment while detained at Okaka Medium Security Custodial Centre, including conjugal visits and a lavish birthday celebration with food supplied from a popular Yenagoa eatery.
Some police personnel also expressed concern for the safety of the arresting officers, noting that the accused had allegedly threatened to appeal to the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt should their bail request be denied.
Officials warned that granting bail could destabilize the peace in Yenagoa, which has been largely maintained since the gang’s arrest, and could potentially allow the suspects to regroup and incite further unrest in the state.
