Bayelsa High Court sentences Police Commissioner to prison for contempt 

A Bayelsa State High Court has sentenced the State Commissioner of Police to prison for contempt of court. The sentence stems from the Commissioner’s failure to comply with a 2016 court order regarding a land dispute in the Yenizue-gene community.

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According to reports, the court had ruled in favor of nine families from the community, who claimed ownership of a parcel of land in Asam currently occupied by the state-owned security agency, “Operation Doo-Akpo”. The families, including the Fabiri, Ayoko, Aku, Ugbon, Obediah, Sampson, and Boye families, had taken the matter to court after their land was allegedly taken over by the agency.

The court’s decision to sentence the Commissioner to prison was made after he failed to appear in court or challenge the ruling, despite being summoned. The lead counsel for the claimants, Ukunbiriowei Saiyou, confirmed that the committal proceedings against the Commissioner were initiated in 2022.

The sentence was handed down by Honorable Justice R. Ajuwa on December 27, 2024. The development has sparked reactions from the community, with many hailing the court’s decision as a victory for justic