The quiet courtroom of the Bayelsa State Judiciary Complex in Yenagoa turned into a scene of deep emotion and solemn reflection as the Coroner’s Court began hearing testimonies in the controversial death of 24-year-old Patrick Peresuodei. The inquest, which has already drawn the attention of legal observers, civil society groups, and residents of the state, opened with the detailed testimony of the first witness — the deceased’s elder brother, Mr. Destiny Peresuodei.
Presiding over the proceedings was Magistrate Obiri Baitimizimo Florizel, who sat as coroner at the Multi-Door Courthouse within the Bayelsa State Judiciary Complex in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. The atmosphere in the courtroom was tense as the witness began recounting the painful sequence of events that eventually led to the tragic demise of his younger brother.
A Night That Changed Everything
According to Mr. Destiny Peresuodei, the tragic chain of events began on January 15, 2026, in Amassoma Community, a town known for hosting the Niger Delta University. He told the court that he and his late brother were forcefully abducted from their father’s residence by a man identified as Bodmas Kemepadei, who was allegedly accompanied by four officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The witness narrated that the abductors transported them to the residence of Mr. Kemepadei located in Tenacious area of Edepie, a suburb of Yenagoa. What followed, according to him, was a brutal ordeal that lasted more than an hour.
He alleged that upon arrival at the residence, they were surrounded by a group of about seven to ten individuals who joined in assaulting them. Mr. Peresuodei told the court that the attackers inflicted multiple injuries on both brothers, including severe blows to their heads.
Even more disturbing was his claim that the assailants used a machete to flog them repeatedly. According to him, the attack was allegedly carried out under the direct instructions of Mr. Kemepadei.
From Assault to Police Custody
After the alleged assault, the witness said both victims were bound and forced into a vehicle alongside NSCDC officers. They were then transported to the Bayelsa State Police Command, specifically the Operation Puff Adder unit.
Mr. Peresuodei told the court that they remained in police detention for nearly two days before family members discovered their location.
Their sister, Miss Pretty Peresuodei, together with their uncle, Mr. Charles Edure, reportedly began frantic efforts to secure their release after learning of their detention.
The Mysterious Removal from the Cell
One of the most gripping moments of the testimony came when the witness described the events of January 20, 2026.
He told the court that sometime between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., he was taken out of the cell by a man identified as Mr. Barnabas to write a statement. After spending about two hours outside the cell, he returned only to discover that his brother Patrick was no longer there.
A fellow detainee allegedly informed him that Patrick had been taken away by police officers.
What happened next, according to the witness, remains one of the most disturbing aspects of the case.
He said Patrick was later brought back and thrown into the cell in a condition he described as “critically deteriorated.” The young man was reportedly unresponsive, barely breathing, and unable to speak or move.
Race Against Time
Upon seeing Patrick’s condition, their uncle, Mr. Charles Edure, who had come for a visitation, immediately arranged for emergency medical attention.
Patrick was rushed to the General Hospital in Amassoma, where doctors battled to stabilize him.
The witness told the court that although Patrick regained minimal speech the following day, his condition remained extremely critical.
After five days of treatment, medical personnel reportedly informed the family that the hospital lacked the capacity to manage the severity of his injuries, particularly a suspected neck injury.
Medical Referrals and Mounting Challenges
The family was subsequently referred to the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital in Okolobiri, where further examination was conducted.
From there, doctors recommended advanced treatment at the Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa.
At the facility, medical assessments reportedly revealed that Patrick had sustained a serious spinal injury.
The doctors then referred the family to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in Rivers State for specialized care.
But tragedy struck in a different way.
The Cost of Survival
According to the witness, the family was unable to immediately proceed with treatment at the Port Harcourt hospital due to financial constraints.
With no immediate funds available for the expensive medical procedures required, the family was forced to take Patrick home while they sought financial assistance.
It was a desperate race against time that ultimately ended in heartbreak.
On January 29, 2026, barely two weeks after the ordeal began, Patrick Peresuodei passed away before the necessary funds for specialized treatment could be secured.
Government’s Position
Following the court session, legal representatives of the Bayelsa State Government addressed journalists outside the courthouse.
Mr. TtPaul Eniekenemi Boatman, Esq., representing the Office of the Attorney-General, reiterated the commitment of Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, to ensuring that justice is served.
He emphasized that the state government remains determined to uncover the root cause of the incident and ensure accountability.
Similarly, the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, has reportedly assured the public that anyone found culpable during the investigation will face prosecution in accordance with the law.
Awaiting Justice
At the conclusion of the hearing, Magistrate Florizel adjourned the proceedings to March 23, 2026, for the continuation of the coroner’s inquest.
For the Peresuodei family, however, the legal proceedings represent more than a courtroom exercise. They symbolize a search for truth, accountability, and justice for a young life that ended under troubling circumstances.
Across Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta, many observers are watching closely as the inquest unfolds, hoping that the judicial process will bring clarity to the events surrounding Patrick Peresuodei’s death and ensure that justice, if required, is neither delayed nor denied.
Source: Court Proceedings / Eyewitness Testimony
Homepage: https://globalegberi.com.ng/wp
Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
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