Authorities of the Okaka Medium Correctional Prison on Friday refused to comply with a Bayelsa State High Court order to release two notorious celebrity kidnappers for medical re-examination.
The court has fixed Monday, March 9, 2026, for further hearing on the bail application by Emmanuel Charles Angasei and John Lyon Ike.
Justice I. Eradiri of High Court 4 made the order following an application for bail on health grounds by Ayibatekena Bruce Ebiki, counsel to the first defendant.
The judge directed that the accused be taken to the Federal Medical Centre with officers from Operation Puff Adder, representatives of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and defence counsel present under tight security.
Despite being shown the court order by DPP officials, prison personnel rejected the directive, insisting they were not given sufficient notice.
The request for bail on health grounds had earlier thrown the courtroom into frenzy, with police personnel and judicial staff members expressing reservations.
The duo were arrested in 2022 by operatives of Operation Puff Adder, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, for the alleged kidnapping of Danjuma Omieje of Premium Trust Bank (formerly Sterling Bank) and owner of Lozzy Supermarket, as well as several prominent businessmen in Igbogene.
Their arrest gained widespread media attention after one of the suspects was seen on Facebook flaunting wads of cash believed to be ransom proceeds from an earlier victim.
They were arraigned on November 10, 2022, before the State High Court in Suit No. YHC/77c/2022 on charges of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit felony. The case remains pending.
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