Police nab killers of Gov Diri’s in-law, paramount ruler, CDC chairman in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of suspects linked to the brutal murder of Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and in-law to Governor Douye Diri.

In addition to Ogbolosingha, the suspects are also believed to be behind the killings of the Paramount Ruler of Kalaba community, HRH Kolibo Amabelimo, and the Community Development Committee Chairman, Samuel Oburo. The tragic events occurred in the Kalaba community in Yenagoa Local Government Area.

According to a report by LIB, the killings may be connected to a lingering crisis in the community. Tensions had reportedly escalated following the refusal of some community members to support the establishment of a refinery in the area—an issue believed to have sparked the deadly attacks.

During a press briefing on Monday, May 5, 2025, Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, confirmed the arrest of the suspects and assured the public that justice would be served.

The CP said that the suspects, Gideon Atama, 32, Bethlehem Nwanlia, 49 and Clever Ovo, 33, allegedly committed the crime in 2022.

Idu disclosed that while one of the suspects, identified as Perekebi Nwanlia, was deceased, both Atama and Bethlehem Nwalia were still at large, but Clever Ovo is in police custody.

According to him, Ovo has confessed that they were members of the notorious Endurance Amagbein gang whose leader, Endurance Amagbein, has since been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over the alleged killing of 16 soldiers at Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State in 2024.

Idu said Gideon Atama was arrested with a mobile phone while dressed in army camouflage uniform and well-kitted like a soldier.

“But upon a close check on the phone, pictures of assorted rifles and voice notes of their previous operations were unravelled. They also went further to mention sponsors in the vandalisation of installations and facilities in the region,” the police boss added.