The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa, Ben Okolo, on Friday in Yenagoa confirmed the stabbing to death of a police officer by his colleague.

In a statement by the police spokesperson in the state, Asinmi Butswat, the commissioner said he had ordered the detention of the suspect and an investigation of the incident.

The incident involved an off-duty police officer, Governor Akpoboloukeme, and his colleague, Sapele Eyeridideke, over a minor misunderstanding.

An eyewitness said the two policemen, who are cousins, attended a marriage ceremony at a popular hotel in Yenagoa where the deceased made a joke as they sat on a table.

The suspect didn’t feel happy about the joke and reacted in a violent manner. The cousins were almost engaged in fisticuffs when friends stepped in and settled the duo.

They left the venue with others in attendance thinking they were going to their separate homes. However, rather than go home, Akpobolokeme trailed Eyeridideke to a secluded place and stabbed him with a dagger on the left part of his rib cage killing him instantly.

Mr Butswat said the incident occurred on November 4, with the suspect immediately fleeing the scene and attempting to flee to a neighbouring state when he was arrested.

(NAN)