Ex-President Jonathan's Nephew Arraigned for Shooting Two in Otueke

Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Police Command has dragged a son to ex-President Jonathan’s sister, Oguanisi Akpufu, before a Kolo Magistrate’s Court in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State.

Confirming the re-arrest and arraignment of Ogunnisi Akpufu, 45, for alleged illegal possession of firearms and shooting of two All Progressives Congress (APC) members during a local festival in Otueke Community, Ogbia, the police noted that the suspect confessed that the shots were fired in error.

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Asinim Butswat, the police stated that Akpufu will also be brought before the high court for another offence.

“On 28 October, 2017, at about 1500hrs, while celebrating the Odumimom Festival at Otueke, Ogbia Local Government Area, one Oguanisi Akpufu ‘m’ 45 years, accidentally shot one Yusuf Bala ‘m’ 42years, on the left leg.

“The victim is undergoing medical treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. The suspect has been arraigned in Magistrate Court, Kolo, on 3 November, 2017, and he will be subsequently charged to the High Court for another offence”, the police said.
It was gathered had earlier arrested the suspect, but was released following pressure from the suspects family.

Police Commissioner, Mr. Asuquo Amba, when asked about the case by journalists, during the parade of suspects, “I’m Yenagoa, said investigations showed that the shooting was “accidental”, while the victims of the accidents sustained gunshots in their lower leg and thigh respectively.

He added that Akpusu was part of the masquerade festival in Ogbia kingdom, and fired shots at the two persons in Emeyal 1 area.

According to him, the suspect was arrested by policemen attached to the Kolo Divisional Police while the case was moved to the “serious crime unit” of the State Police Command in Yenagoa.

“Preliminary investigations‎ showed that it was a case of accidental discharge at a masquerade ceremony in Otuoke and Emeyal area of Ogbia Local Government.
“The victims are being taken care of by the culprit and the Ogbia people. It may have been a mistake”, he said.