The Nigeria Police Force in Bayelsa State has arrested five suspects in connection with the death of a 38-year-old man who was accused of rape.The victim, identified as Samuel Ofiri, was found dead by the roadside along Kakatar Road in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state. His body was discovered on February 22, 2026, following a distress call received by police operatives.
According to the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, officers from the Kolo Divisional Headquarters responded to the alert at about 3:30pm and found the victim’s lifeless body at the scene. He said “the body was subsequently taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Otuoke for further examination”.
Police authorities confirmed that five suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident. The suspects were identified as Stanley Inemugha, 21; Ipagaro Memidin, 21; Kingsley Taribo, 25; Boye Easter, 22; and Preye Timbiri, 40. Most of the suspects are reportedly from the Otakeme and Otuoke communities in Ogbia Local Government Area.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the victim Mr Samuel Ofiri, was accused of raping a woman before he was allegedly taken to an apartment, where he was tortured. Authorities believe the assault led to his death.
“The suspects are undergoing investigation and will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation,” the police commissioner said.
Mr Edebor also warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, describing mob justice as unlawful. He urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to security agencies instead of engaging in violence.
The police said investigations into the case are ongoing.
