On Thursday, the Ogbia Division of the Bayelsa High Court sentenced four men to 40 years imprisonment each for the kidnapping of Federal Otokito, the former commissioner for trade and investment.
The convicts, Kingsley Obhesi (24), Joshua Abi (32), Gift Damene (38), and Powell Inegite (36), were found guilty by Justice S.W. Amaduobogha on charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms.
The judge stated that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the 40-year sentence for each convict.
The convicts were apprehended by operatives of the Operation Puff Adder unit of the Bayelsa police command, led by Supol Chris Nwaogbo.
Prosecuting counsel Stella Jerry-Friday informed the court that on January 20, 2022, the convicts had kidnapped Otokito against his will in Otuokpoti, Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa.
“The captive was taken to Igbomotoru bush in the southern Ijaw area of the state with the intent to demand ransom or any other unlawful consideration and thereby committed an offence,” Mr Jerry-Friday said.
Leave a Reply