The men were convicted over the 2022 killings of three people, including a traditional ruler, in Yenagoa Local Government Area.
A High Court in Bayelsa State has sentenced two men to death by hanging for the murder of three people, including an in-law of Governor Douye Diri.
The convicts, identified as Gideon Atama, 32, and Clever Ovo, 33, were found guilty of offences linked to the killings in Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, in June 2022.
The victims were identified as Odeinyefa Ogbolosingha, an in-law of the governor; Kolibo Francis Amabelimo, the paramount ruler of Kalaba community; and Samuel Oburo.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Michael Amadise Ekade sentenced the two men to death by hanging after considering the evidence presented by the prosecution, according to local media reports.
The defendants had faced charges including conspiracy, kidnapping, murder and attempted murder in case number BYHC/YHC/CR/32/2025.
Third defendant dies before judgment
The case had earlier suffered a setback following the death of a third defendant, 50-year-old Bethlehem Nwanlia, who reportedly collapsed and died within the premises of the Bayelsa State High Court on 27 October.
Nwanlia was said to have experienced health complications, including high blood pressure and a stroke, while in custody at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre.
His death reduced the number of defendants awaiting judgment in the case.
Families welcome verdict
Police operatives attached to the Violent Crime Response Unit, formerly known as Operation Puff Adder, investigated the killings and arrested the suspects.
The operation was led by Chief Superintendent of Police Chris Nwaogbo.
Some relatives of the victims praised the police team for its investigation and commended the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice for prosecuting the case.
The killings in 2022 had caused outrage in the community, particularly because one of the victims was its traditional ruler.
The court’s decision marks a major development in the case, although the enforcement of the death sentences would be subject to the applicable legal procedures.
