A Magistrate’s Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has ordered the remand of a 35-year-old man, Susaine Morgan, in connection with an alleged assassination attempt on Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), on New Year’s Day.
The suspect faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit armed robbery, attempted kidnapping, and unlawful possession of two AK-47 rifles. He was apprehended at the minister’s residence in Ekeremor town, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The remand order, granted at the request of Police Prosecutor Stella Jerry-Friday and issued under the directive of the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, authorizes Morgan’s detention at Okaka Correctional Facility for 30 days. The court order is intended to facilitate the police investigation and aid in the apprehension of six other suspects who remain at large.
According to the charge sheet, the defendant was arrested on January 1, 2025, at Senator Lokpobiri’s residence for allegedly conspiring with others to commit armed robbery, attempted kidnapping, and carrying firearms without authorization.
A police source revealed that the remand was necessary to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation and prevent interference by the suspect or his associates.
Security reports indicate that seven armed suspects infiltrated the minister’s residence by mingling with a crowd of visitors who had gathered to pay homage. The military personnel stationed at the residence were alerted to the presence of armed individuals among the visitors.
“Due to the large crowd, the soldiers refrained from using lethal force and instead ordered everyone to lie down. One suspect, carrying a bag containing the weapons, was apprehended. The others escaped by blending into the crowd,” the source disclosed.
In their escape, the fleeing suspects reportedly fired shots, attacked a nearby filling station, and stole N400,000 before leaving the community.
The case has drawn significant attention, as authorities continue their efforts to track down the remaining suspects and bring them to justice.
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