The Bayelsa State Police Command has taken five men into custody following the death of a 38-year-old man who was reportedly tortured to death after being accused of sexual assault.
The victim, identified as Samuel Ofiri, was found abandoned by the roadside along Kakatar Road in Otuoke, within the Ogbia Local Government Area.
State Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, confirmed that his officers moved quickly once the grim discovery was made.
On the afternoon of February 22, around 3:30 p.m., a team from the Kolo Divisional Headquarters responded to a distress call. They arrived to find Ofiri’s body, which was subsequently moved to the Federal Medical Centre in Otuoke.
The investigation into how Ofiri ended up on that roadside has led to the arrest of five local residents. Among those being held are Stanley Inemugha (21), Ipagaro Memidin (21), Kingsley Taribo (25), and Boye Easter (22), all from the Otakeme Community, along with 40-year-old Preye Timbiri from Otuoke.
According to the Commissioner, early findings point to a disturbing case of vigilante violence. “Preliminary investigation suggests the victim was accused of raping a lady, taken to an apartment and tortured, leading to his death,” Edebor explained.
He added that the suspects are currently being questioned and will eventually face formal charges in court.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Commissioner issued a stern warning to the public against the dangers of “jungle justice.”
He urged citizens to resist the urge to take the law into their own hands, reminding the community that suspicious activities should always be reported to the police rather than settled through mob actions.