The Bayelsa State Government has announced it will take over the prosecution of the murder of Mr. Peresuodei Ondutimi Abbah, following the conclusion of police investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Bayelsa State, which said Governor Douye Diri had directed the Ministry of Justice to assume responsibility for prosecuting all suspects found culpable in the case.
Peresuodei, an indigene of Amassoma Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, was allegedly abducted, illegally detained and later killed under circumstances that have sparked public outrage across the state and beyond.
According to the Attorney-General, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, the state government is working closely with the Bayelsa State Police Command and other security agencies to ensure a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation.
“Investigations are at an advanced stage, with critical information and statements of potential witnesses already obtained. The government will leave no stone unturned in unearthing the truth and ensuring justice is served,” the statement said.
The government also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of prejudicing investigations or escalating tensions.
Meanwhile, the Amassoma Divisional Police Station has arrested and arraigned one Agusi Oyeintari, described as a self-acclaimed chief priest, in connection with the abduction and murder of the deceased.
Police sources said Oyeintari is accused of aiding the illegal arrest and subsequent disappearance of Peresuodei. Investigations allegedly linked him to Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, who is believed to be the prime suspect and is currently at large.
According to local reports, Oyeintari allegedly assisted Kemepadei and his associates in locating the residence of the deceased after several failed attempts. He was said to have instructed his son to lead the group to Peresuodei’s home, where the victim and his brother were allegedly arrested without any lawful authority or warrant.
Further allegations, amplified by a viral video commentary on social media, claimed that the mother of the victims later approached Oyeintari to plead for her sons’ release. It was alleged that he dismissed her plea, assuring her that only the younger brother would be released, while Peresuodei would be detained briefly and later freed—an assurance that never materialised.
Peresuodei reportedly never returned alive.
The Bayelsa State Police Command has since expanded its investigation, confirming the interrogation of four personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who allegedly accompanied Kemepadei during the arrest operation.
In a separate press statement, the police said the NSCDC personnel, as well as members of an investigating team attached to Operation Restore Peace (Operation Puff Adder), are being questioned over allegations that Peresuodei was taken to Kemepadei’s residence in Yenagoa, where he was reportedly tortured before his death.
“The Command remains committed to a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation. All suspects alleged to have been involved will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law if found culpable,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel, also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, whom police described as the prime suspect.
The case has continued to provoke widespread concern in Amassoma and across Bayelsa State, with residents calling for accountability and an end to illegal arrests and the influence of informal power structures in criminal matters.
As investigations progress and prosecution looms, the public awaits further official updates on the pursuit of justice for the late Peresuodei.
