Bayelsa Court Sentences Two to Death for Triple Murder

A Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa sentenced Gideon Atama, 32, and Clever Ovo, 33, to death by hanging for the murder of three individuals, including Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law to Governor Douye Diri, in June 2022. The other victims were HRH Kolibo Francis Amabelimo, the Paramount Ruler of Kalaba community, and Samuel Oburo.

The convicts were arrested by a police investigation team from the Violent Crime Response Unit, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, and were charged with conspiracy, kidnapping, murder, and attempted murder in suit number BYHC/YHC/CR/32/2025. Justice Michael Amadise Ekade delivered the judgment on Tuesday, finding the defendants guilty based on the evidence presented.

The case faced a setback due to the death of another defendant, Bethlehem Nwanlia, who died in court on October 27 while awaiting the ruling. Family members of the deceased expressed gratitude to the police and the Bayelsa State Government for the prosecution efforts, viewing the judgment as a step toward justice for their loved ones.