By BANNERNEWS Reporter
A 38-year-old man, Samuel Ofiri, has been tortured to death in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, hometown of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Ofiri, a native of the community, was accused by some youths of raping a woman in the area. The allegation reportedly triggered mob action that culminated in his death.
Sources said the victim was whisked to an apartment along Kakatar Road in Otuoke, where he was allegedly tortured.
The incident has heightened tension in the riverine community, which also hosts the Federal University Otuoke. Students of the institution are said to be living in fear following the development.
Confirming the incident, the Bayelsa State Police Command said five suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing.
Police spokesman, DSP Musa Muhammad, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the arrests followed a distress call received on February 22, 2026, at about 3:30 p.m.
He said operatives from the Kolo Divisional Headquarters mobilised to Kakatar Road, where they found the lifeless body of the victim. The corpse was evacuated and deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Otuoke.
According to the police, a sting operation led to the arrest of five suspects — Stanley Inemugha (21), Ipagaro Memidin (21), Kingsley Taribo (25), Boye Easter (22), and Preye Timbiri (40) — all from Ogbia LGA.
The suspects are currently undergoing investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations. The Commissioner of Police warned residents against jungle justice and urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
