A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has sentenced the state’s Commissioner of Police to prison for failing to comply with a court order concerning a long-standing land dispute.
The legal battle dates back to a judgment delivered on November 26, 2016, in Suit No. YHC/210/2014, which was later upheld by the Court of Appeal in case CA/PH/170/2018. Despite these rulings, the Commissioner of Police allegedly disregarded the court’s directive, prompting the recent sentencing.
At the heart of the conflict is a parcel of land in Asam, Yenagoa, which currently serves as the operational base for Operation Doo-Akpo, a state-owned security outfit. The courts have ruled in favor of nine families from the Yenizue-gene Community, including the Fabiri, Ayoko, Aku, Ugbon, Obediah, Sampson, and Boye families, affirming their ownership rights.
Despite these judicial decisions, the police have reportedly refused to vacate the land, leading to legal action from the rightful owners.
Speaking at a press briefing, the lead counsel for the claimants, Ukunbiriowei Saiyou, confirmed that Justice R. Ajuwa issued the imprisonment order against the Commissioner of Police on December 27, 2024.
Saiyou explained that the claimants initiated committal proceedings in 2022 due to the Commissioner’s persistent refusal to comply with multiple court rulings.
“The police have failed to appear before the court or challenge the various decisions, leaving us no choice but to seek enforcement,” Saiyou stated.
Following the sentencing, there have been calls for the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to intervene and ensure the enforcement of the judgments, particularly the Court of Appeal ruling from June 10, 2021.
Saiyou warned that if the IGP does not act swiftly, it could result in the arrest of the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police.
He further revealed that since Saipem vacated the disputed land along Elebele-Opolo Road, the police and Operation Doo-Akpo have been occupying the area illegally, without the consent of the rightful landowners.
Representatives of the affected families, Chief Honest Boye Wilson and Hon. Manager Fabiri, voiced their frustration over the prolonged occupation of their land by the police. Despite their grievances, they reassured the public that they would continue to seek justice through legal means rather than resorting to public demonstrations against the government or security agencies.
“The Bayelsa State High Court ruled in our favor, and the Court of Appeal reaffirmed that ruling. Yet, the police remain on our land unlawfully,” Fabiri emphasized.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on law enforcement authorities to see if they will comply with the court orders or face further legal consequences.