The Bayelsa State High Court sits today, March 9, 2026, to further hear the controversial bail application filed by two alleged high-profile kidnappers, Emmanuel Charles Angasei and John Lyon Ike, infamously dubbed “celebrity kidnappers” for their flashy lifestyle before their arrest.
The case, which has gripped public attention since the duo’s dramatic 2022 arrest, took a dramatic twist last week when prison authorities at Okaka Medium Correctional Centre outright rejected a court directive to release the suspects for medical re-examination at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.
Presiding Judge, Justice Inekeide Eradiri of High Court 4, had ordered the move after defence counsel Ayibatekena Ebiki argued for bail on health grounds for his client, Emmanuel Charles Angasei. The judge directed that the examination take place under tight security, with officers from Operation Puff Adder, representatives of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and defence lawyers present.
However, when officials attempted to effect the order on Friday, March 6, 2026, prison personnel reportedly stonewalled the process, citing “wrong timing” and insufficient notice despite being shown a copy of the court order by DPP officials.
Efforts by our correspondent to speak with Okaka prison authorities were rebuffed, as they demanded an official letter before granting any interview.
The development has sparked confusion and reservations among police operatives and judicial staff, who question the sudden health claims amid the suspects’ long detention.
Angasei and Ike were arrested in 2022 by operatives of Operation Puff Adder, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, for allegedly masterminding the kidnapping of Danjuma Omieje, a staff of Premium Trust Bank (formerly Sterling Bank), the proprietor of Lozzy Supermarket, and several prominent Igbogene businessmen in the state.
Their arrest was widely celebrated across Bayelsa, particularly due to Angasei’s social media notoriety he was known for flaunting wads of hard currency on Facebook, allegedly proceeds from ransom payments.
The suspects were arraigned on November 10, 2022, before the State High Court on charges of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit felony.
The sitting of the court is expected to clarify the fate of their bail bid as the trial continues in one of the state’s most talked-about criminal cases.
