A Bayelsa High Court in Ogbia Town has sentenced four men to 40 years each in prison for kidnapping a former Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Federal Otokito.

The sentencing occurred on Tuesday in Suit No OHC/4C/2022.

The convicted men, Kingsley Obhesi (24), Joshua Abi (32), Gift Damene (38), and Powell Inegite (36), kidnapped Otokito on January 20, 2022, and demanded a ransom.

The presiding judge, S.W. Amaduobogha, declared the men guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms.

Police prosecuting counsel, Stella Jerry-Friday, informed the court that the convicts, armed with guns and other weapons, abducted Otokito from Otuokpoti community in Ogbia Local Government Area. They took him to Igbomotoru bush in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area with the intent to demand ransom.

“They took him to Igbomotoru bush in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state with the intent to demand ransom or any other unlawful consideration and thereby committed an offence,” Jerry-Friday said.

Judge Amaduobogha praised the investigative and prosecution team for proving beyond a reasonable doubt the charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms against the convicts.