Two suspects were on Friday, February 23, arraigned before Kaima High Court sitting in Yenagoa over alleged conspiracy and attempt to kidnap Mr Ebi Ayama.
Ayama popularly known as Americana is Bayelsa state’s Governor Douye Diri’s brother. The two suspects identified as Lucky Oghenebrume, 53 and Omobowho Okpowodo,52 were arrested by men of the Operation Puff Adder unit in November 2023 at Mbiama community in Rivers. This came after intelligence gathering and detailed investigations.
Appearing before the court, they pleaded not guilty. However, a police prosecutor told the court that Oghenebrume was the mastermind and on the wanted list of the State Police Command over alleged involvement in the abduction of one Fyneman in the Sagbama area of the state where a ransom of N50 million was paid.
He was also said to have relocated his family to Delta State to avoid being exposed. The Police Prosecutor said the second suspect, Omobowho Okpowodo, was identified as the owner of the motor mechanic workshop where the targeted victim carries out repairs on his vehicles.
Okpowodo was allegedly overheard planning to abduct Ayama on his way from Ekeremor Local Government Area.
The case has been adjourned until February 27 by the presiding Judge, Justice Timipre Songi.
