Fresh developments have emerged in the 2022 murder case of HRH Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha — the traditional ruler of Kalaba community in Yenagoa Local Government Area and in-law to Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri — as law enforcement intensifies its crackdown on criminal networks in the Niger Delta.
Authorities say three individuals have been identified as key suspects in the triple homicide that rocked the Kalaba community. Alongside the slain monarch, the violence also claimed the lives of HRH Kolibo Amabelimo, Chairman of the Kalaba Community Development Committee, and one Samuel Oburo.
Among those named are Gideon Atama (32), Bethlehem Nwanlia (49), and Clever Ovo (33). Police confirmed that while Atama and Nwanlia remain fugitives, Ovo has been captured and is cooperating with investigators. A fourth suspect, Perekebi Nwanlia, is reportedly deceased.
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Commissioner of Police Francis Idu revealed that the suspects are linked to the notorious Endurance Amagbein gang, known for its involvement in violent militancy and oil facility sabotage across the Niger Delta. The gang’s leader, Endurance Amagbein, is already on the Nigerian Army’s most-wanted list over the ambush and killing of 16 soldiers in Okuama, Delta State, earlier this year.
During interrogation, Ovo admitted their involvement with the criminal syndicate and provided key insights into its operations. Further evidence came from a previous arrest of Atama, who was caught dressed in full military camouflage. Forensic analysis of his mobile phone uncovered images of military-grade rifles and recorded conversations detailing illegal operations and the names of individuals allegedly sponsoring the vandalism of oil installations.
In a related incident, a 20-year-old boat captain identified as Daniel Williams was arrested at Igbikiba in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area for allegedly aiding oil bunkering activities. According to police, Williams had been hired by Endurance Amagbein to transport equipment used to vandalize pipelines.
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Recovered items included filing machines, blades, cutters, machetes, rechargeable headlamps, mobile devices, two-way radios, food supplies, and toiletries. These were reportedly meant for a sabotage mission targeting the Tebidaba-Brass 18-inch trunkline operated by Oando at Lascogbene community.Commissioner Idu emphasized the resolve of security agencies to dismantle criminal networks despite persistent challenges in the region. “This operation is part of our broader mandate to protect critical infrastructure and bring perpetrators to justice. We are fully aligned with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure the Niger Delta against sabotage,” he stated.
