The police command in Bayelsa arraigned two suspects in the Kaima High Court sitting in Yenagoa on Friday over an alleged conspiracy and attempt to kidnap Ebi Ayama.

Mr Ayama, popularly known as Americana, is a brother to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa.

The two suspects are Lucky Oghenebrume, 53 and Omobowho Okpowodo, 52.

According to the police, the duo were arrested by men of the Operation Puff Adder unit in November 2023 in the Mbiama community in Rivers.

The police said the arrest of the two suspects was possible through intelligence-gathering and detailed investigations.

The two suspects, who pleaded not guilty, are being prosecuted by the police at the Kaima High Court in Yenagoa with suit number BYH/KHC/CR/2/2024.

The police prosecutor told the court that Mr Oghenebrume was the mastermind and on the wanted list of the state police command over his alleged involvement in the abduction of one Mr Fyneman in the Sagbama area of the state, where a ransom of N50 million was paid.

Mr Oghenebrume was also described as a resident of the Mbiama community and residing alone in a massive compound, where he allegedly carried out the dastardly act.

He was also said to have relocated his family to Delta State to avoid being exposed.

The police prosecutor said the second suspect, Omobowho Okpowodo, was identified as the owner of the motor mechanic workshop where the targeted victim carries out repairs on his vehicles.

Mr Okpowodo, according to the police prosecution counsel, was allegedly overheard planning to abduct Mr Ayama on his way from Ekeremor Local Government Area.

The presiding judge, Justice Timipre Songi, has adjourned the case until February 27.

(NAN)