Metro
Police arraign two suspects over ‘conspiracy to kidnap Duoye Diri’s brother’
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.
