By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
A High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has sentenced two men to death by hanging for the abduction of Mrs. Grace Omietimi, the mother of the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, Dr. James Omietimi.
The convicts, Felix Oburu from Omoku in Ogba/Egbema Local Government Area and Anthony Kio Eligwe of Oyigba Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, were found guilty of conspiring with others still at large to commit the crime.
The court heard that the duo kidnapped Mrs. Omietimi on September 17, 2017, and held her captive in Oyigba Community for several weeks before releasing her after a ransom was paid.
They were later arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) following intelligence-driven operations that led to their capture.
In her judgment on Charge No. YHC/60C/218 in the case of The State versus Felix Oburu and Anthony Kio Eligwe, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda A. Ayemieye, upheld the prosecution’s arguments, found the defendants guilty, and sentenced them to death by hanging.
During the trial, Mrs. Omietimi testified and recounted her experience in captivity, identifying Anthony Kio Eligwe as the person in whose residence she was held. Her testimony was supported by the DSS investigating officer, who detailed how the suspects were tracked and apprehended.
Reacting to the ruling, the Bayelsa State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo (SAN), described the judgment as a strong statement against kidnapping. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to upholding justice and maintaining security, noting that the administration of Governor Douye Diri remains determined to protect lives and property.
