Bayelsa Court Sentences Four Men to Death for Murder of Taxi Driver

A High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has sentenced four men to death for the brutal murder of a commercial taxi driver, Mr. Olarenwaju Ajayi, during a deceitful trip to Onne, Rivers State. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Delivering judgment on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Bayelsa State High Court 11 in Onopa, Hon. Justice Patience Ama Zuofa Diri, presiding over suit number YHC/21C/2021, convicted the defendants—Sunday Imoh Essien, Opena Akpabio, Odogha Ebi, and Clifford Michael—on charges of conspiracy, murder, and armed robbery.

Deceptive Journey Ends in Tragedy

According to the court’s findings, the four convicts had chartered Mr. Ajayi’s taxi under the false pretense of attending a naval event in Onne, Rivers State. The unsuspecting driver picked them up from Agudama-Epie in Yenagoa and began the trip.

Upon reaching Okogbe, Rivers State, the first defendant, Sunday Imoh, asked to relieve himself, prompting Mr. Ajayi to stop the vehicle. At that moment, the other passengers launched a deadly attack—strangling him with a marine rope and stabbing him to death.

After the murder, they disposed of the body and drove the stolen vehicle to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where they sold it for ₦450,000.

Justice Served

Bayelsa’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, praised the court’s decision, reaffirming the state government’s zero-tolerance policy toward violent crime.

“This conviction is a clear testament to our administration’s unwavering stance on justice and rule of law. Criminals will always face the consequences of their actions,” he stated.