Bayelsa police parade four oil well vandals 

•Supreme Court Victory: Diri Gets Rousing Reception, Urges Alaibe, Others To Join Hands To Develop State 

The Bayelsa State Police yesterday paraded four notorious oil well vandals who specialize in vandalizing wellheads and other oil installations in the state and neighboring states.

Spokesperson of the Bayelsa Sate Police Command, Asimin Butswat made this known to newsmen at the command headquarters in Yenagoa while parading the suspects and the recovered items.

Narrating how they were apprehended, Butswat said they swung into action when the incident was reported and in collaboration with men of the Rivers State Police command, the suspects were arrested. Butswat said the suspects when interrogated, confessed to the crime and assisted the police with useful information that led to the arrest of the buyer who is presently on the run in Port Harcourt. He reiterated their commitment in working with other relevant agencies in ensuring the state is rid of crime. He emphasized that after thorough investigation; the buyer and suspects will be prosecuted in court.

One of the suspects, Timi Sunday, 27, from Agalabiri community in Ekeremor said he was lured to the crime by his friend named Innocent who urged him to accompany him to sell scraps in Bayelsa. Timi, who is a father of nine children, said he never knew that the oil well heads and valves are stolen items.

Speaking with journalists, operations team leader of Aiteo Oil Services, Victor Ehiemere commended the police and Amotoi Global Services Ltd for their efforts in protecting the nation’s assets.

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has dedicated his victory at the Supreme Court to the people of Bayelsa whose prayers helped make the victory possible. The apex court had on Tuesday dismissed the case filed by Timi Alaibe challenging Diri’s victory at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election in September 2019.

Diri, who got a tumultuous reception upon his arrival in Yenagoa on Thursday night, said the demonstration of love and support was overwhelming and heartwarming.

The governor was joined by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Speaker of the House of Assembly and other legislators, top government functionaries, PDP stalwarts among others for a victory thanksgiving service at the King of Glory Chapel, Yenagoa shortly after his arrival. He called on all Bayelsans, including Alaibe and his other opponents to join hands with him to build the state.