A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has sentenced two men to death by hanging for their roles in the 2022 killing of three persons, including an in-law of Governor Douye Diri.
Latest: Bayelsa court suspect dies while awaiting judgment in multiple murder case
Key Highlights
- A Bayelsa High Court has sentenced Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo to death by hanging.
- They were convicted of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder and attempted murder over the 2022 killings.
- The victims included Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law of Governor Douye Diri.
- Justice Michael Amadise Ekade delivered the judgment on Tuesday.
- A third defendant, Bethlehem Nwanlia, died within the court premises while awaiting judgment.
The victims were Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law of the governor; Francis Amabelimo, the paramount ruler of Kolibo community; and Samuel Oburo, chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) of Kalaba community, all in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.
Convicted Of Murder, Kidnapping
The convicts, identified as Gideon Atama and Clever Ovo, were found guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, murder and attempted murder following their trial in suit number BYHC/YHC/CR/32/2025.
Justice Michael Amadise Ekade handed down the death sentences on Tuesday, after considering evidence presented by the prosecution in connection with the killings.
The two men were arrested by officers of the Police Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) during an investigation led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
Read also:
- Bayelsa Court Suspect Dies While Awaiting Judgment in Multiple Murder Case
- Edo Court Sentences Four Kidnappers to Death Over Benin Vegetable Market Abduction
- Akwa Ibom Court Sentences 2 Cultists, Armed Robbers to Life Imprisonment
Co-Defendant Died Awaiting Judgment
Another defendant in the case, 50-year-old Bethlehem Nwanlia, reportedly died within the premises of the Bayelsa State High Court on October 27, while awaiting the court’s decision.
Nwanlia was said to have slumped after developing health complications, including high blood pressure and stroke, while being held at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre.
For more crime and court news, follow us on X.
