The Bayelsa State Police Command has launched a thorough investigation into the death of Stanley Okebaram, a 27-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, whose body was pulled from a river in Nembe Local Government Area days after he went missing. Police authorities confirmed that no suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident, even as the Commissioner of Police ordered detectives to determine the exact circumstances that led to the young man's demise.
Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, the state's police public relations officer, Musa Mohammed, said the command is treating the case seriously despite initial reports that the corps member drowned. Mohammed explained that the Commissioner of Police has instructed that an in-depth probe be carried out to ascertain the true cause of death, adding that investigators are already working on the matter.
Commissioner Orders In-Depth Investigation
“We have commenced an investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of the corps member. No arrest so far. The report to the police is that the corps member drowned. The Commissioner of Police has directed that an in-depth investigation be done to ascertain the cause of the death,” Mr Mohammed said. The police spokesman also confirmed on Wednesday that the deceased's body had been deposited in a mortuary while the investigation continues.
The directive from the police leadership underscores the need to establish whether the death was a result of accidental drowning, foul play, or any other factor. Residents of the riverine community have been urged to provide any useful information to aid the investigation.
Who Was Stanley Okebaram?
Reports from The Punch newspaper indicate that the deceased hails from a background of academic excellence. He was a graduate of civil engineering and had previously served as the president of the Students' Union Government of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State. At the time of his death, Okebaram was serving his fatherland in the riverine Nembe Creek community, as part of the NYSC's mandatory one-year service.
As a former student leader, Okebaram was known to be active and committed to his duties. His sudden disappearance and subsequent death have left both colleagues and community members in shock. The NYSC family and his fellow corps members are mourning the loss of a promising young graduate.
Timeline of Disappearance
The unfortunate incident began to unfold on 24 July when Okebaram was last seen at approximately 8:00 p.m. Family and colleagues became concerned after his mobile phone numbers remained unreachable. The worry heightened when he failed to return to his base after the initial hours, prompting a fellow NYSC member, Aribisola Bisi Isaac, to report the matter to the police.
According to information from The Punch, a missing person report was officially lodged with the Nembe Divisional Police Headquarters at about 8:40 p.m. on 25 July. The report, which was made by Aribisola Bisi Isaac and accompanied by Adeola Marvellous, came after the local government inspector had already alerted the police that Okebaram had not been seen and could not be reached.
The prompt filing of the report triggered a police investigation and search operation, as the authorities recognized the urgency of locating the missing corps member.
Search Operation and Recovery
Police operatives immediately launched a search operation around Nembe Creek, a location that is approximately 45 minutes away by boat from the Nembe Divisional Police Headquarters. The search was extensive and involved combing the creek and its environs for any sign of the missing young man.
Tragically, the search came to a sorrowful end when the body of Stanley Okebaram was recovered from a river within the community. The discovery put an end to the hopes of finding him alive, and the body was subsequently transported to a mortuary for preservation and further examination.
As the investigation continues, the police have promised to keep the public informed of any significant developments. Meanwhile, friends, colleagues, and relatives have started paying tribute to the deceased, describing him as a dedicated and vibrant individual whose life was cut short too soon.
