Two Kidnappers Sentenced to Death in Bayelsa State

On April 16, 2026, a High Court in Bayelsa State, presided over by Chief Judge Matilda Ayemiey, sentenced two men, Mr. Felix Oburu from Omoku in Ogba Egbema Local Government Area and Mr. Anthon Eligw from Ahoada West in Rivers State, to death by hanging. They were convicted for the kidnapping of Mr. Grace Omietimi, the mother of Dr. Jame Omietimi, who is the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa.

The abduction occurred on September 17, 2017, and the victim was held captive in the Oyigba community for several weeks until her release, which was secured through ransom payment. The defendants were apprehended following intelligence-led operations by the Department of State Services (DSS).

During the trial, the victim provided a detailed account of her ordeal and identified Mr. Eligw as one of her captors, corroborating the testimonies of DSS investigators.