Bayelsa High Court Delivers Death Sentence in High-Profile Kidnapping Case
A High Court of Bayelsa State, sitting in Yenagoa, has delivered a landmark judgment, sentencing two individuals to death by hanging for their involvement in the abduction of Mrs. Grace Omietimi, the mother of the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yenagoa, Dr. James Omietimi. The ruling was handed down on Thursday, April 16, 2026, by the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda A. Ayemieye, marking a significant moment in the state's judicial response to kidnapping crimes.
Details of the Conviction and Crime
The convicts, identified as Mr. Felix Oburu, a native of Omoku Community in Ogba/Egbema Local Government Area, and Mr. Anthony Kio Eligwe, from Oyigba Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area, both in Rivers State, were found guilty of conspiring with accomplices who remain at large to carry out the kidnapping. The court heard that the defendants abducted Mrs. Omietimi on September 17, 2017, holding her captive for several weeks in Oyigba Community before releasing her following the payment of a ransom.
Their apprehension came after operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) conducted intelligence-led operations that meticulously tracked their activities, leading to their arrest. The case, registered as Charge No. YHC/60C/218, titled The State v. Felix Oburu & Anthony Kio Eligwe, saw the prosecution present compelling evidence, including testimony from the victim herself.
Court Proceedings and Testimonies
During the trial, Mrs. Grace Omietimi provided a detailed account of her harrowing ordeal, identifying the second defendant, Mr. Anthony Kio Eligwe, as the person in whose residence she was held throughout her captivity. Her testimony was strongly corroborated by the Investigating Officer from the DSS Bayelsa State Command, who narrated the step-by-step process of tracking and arresting the suspects.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Ayemieye upheld the prosecution's case, finding the defendants guilty as charged and imposing the death sentence by hanging. This decision underscores the court's firm stance on such grave offenses, reflecting the severity of the crime and its impact on the victim and society.
Official Reactions and Government Stance
Reacting to the verdict, the Bayelsa State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, welcomed the judgment, describing it as a reaffirmation of the state's zero-tolerance policy towards kidnapping and related criminal activities. He emphasized that this ruling sends a clear message about the consequences of such acts.
Mr. Dambo assured residents of the government's unwavering commitment to the enforcement of justice and the rule of law, noting that the Prosperity Administration under Governor Douye Diri remains resolute in its efforts to safeguard lives and property across Bayelsa State. This case highlights the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in combating crime and ensuring accountability.
