The Coroner’s Court sitting in Yenagoa has heard the testimony of its first witness in the ongoing inquest into the death of 24-year-old Patrick Peresuodei.
The witness, Mr. Destiny Peresuodei, younger brother of the deceased, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, gave a detailed account of events leading to his brother’s death before the Coroner, Magistrate Obiri Baitimizimo Florizel, at the Bayelsa State Judiciary Complex.
In his testimony, Destiny told the court that he and his late brother were allegedly abducted on January 15, 2026, from their father’s residence in Amassoma by one Mr. Bodmas Kemepadei alongside four officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). He said they were subsequently taken to Kemepadei’s residence at Tenacious area in Edepie, Yenagoa.
He alleged that upon arrival, they were assaulted by Kemepadei and a group of about seven to ten associates, who inflicted multiple injuries on them, including head wounds.
He further claimed that they were flogged with a machete on the instructions of Kemepadei.
The witness stated that after about one hour and thirty minutes of assault, they were bound and transported with NSCDC officers to the Operation Puff Adder unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command.
According to him, they were detained in police custody for about two days before being traced by their sister, Miss Pretty Peresuodei, and their uncle, Mr. Charles Edure, who began efforts to secure their release.
Destiny further recounted that on January 20, 2026, he was taken out of the cell between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. by an individual identified as Mr. Barnabas to write a statement.
He said that upon returning about two hours later, he discovered that his brother was no longer in the cell, only to be informed by another detainee that Patrick had been taken away by police officers.
He told the court that Patrick was later brought back and thrown into the cell in a critical condition, unresponsive and unable to speak or move.
The witness said their uncle, Mr. Charles Edure, who visited shortly after, arranged for their transfer to the General Hospital in Amassoma, where Patrick was admitted for emergency treatment.
He added that although Patrick regained limited speech the following day, his condition remained critical. After five days, medical personnel reportedly informed the family that his unstable neck injury required advanced care beyond the hospital’s capacity.
The deceased was subsequently referred to the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Okolobiri, and later to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where medical examinations revealed a spinal injury.
Destiny told the court that the family was thereafter referred to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) for specialized treatment. However, due to financial constraints, they were unable to proceed immediately.
He said Patrick was taken home while efforts were made to raise funds but died on January 29, 2026, before the required funds could be secured.
Following the testimony, the court adjourned proceedings to Monday, March 23, 2026, for continuation of the inquest.
Speaking with journalists after the session, a representative of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice, Mr. TtPaul Eniekenemi Boatman, Esq., reiterated the commitment of Governor Douye Diri to ensuring justice in the matter.
He disclosed that the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, has assured the public that anyone found culpable in the course of the investigation will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
About Author
