“Bodmas Missing: Questions for Tantita and Tompolo as Inquest Unravels Shocking Details”
By Paul Ebi
A second officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has testified before a coroner’s court in Yenagoa, shedding fresh light on the controversial circumstances surrounding the death of Patrick Peresuodei.
At the resumed inquest on Friday, March 27, 2026, Inspector Thompson Igbiriki told the court he participated in the arrest of the deceased and his brother, Destiny Peresuodei, in the early hours of January 15.
According to the witness, the operation—carried out around 5:00 a.m. in Amassoma community—was executed on the directive of Bodmas Kemepadei, an official of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a Company owned by Tompolo. He stated that Kemepadei personally identified the brothers and ordered their arrest.
Inspector Igbiriki revealed that the suspects were not informed of the reason for their arrest at the time and were not cautioned before being taken into custody. He further admitted that he did not question the purpose of the operation prior to execution.
The brothers were subsequently transported to a base in Edepie, Yenagoa—also described as Kemepadei’s residence—before being taken to a police station later that morning. The NSCDC team reportedly handed them over to police officers while Kemepadei proceeded inside the station.
Under cross-examination, the officer disclosed that the suspects’ hands were tied with cloth and that they were kept in an open area under guard at the base. He maintained that no officer assaulted the brothers during detention.
However, in a twist, Igbiriki told the court that upon briefly leaving and returning, he observed blood on the heads of both men. He described the injuries as minor and denied any severe physical assault, stating that there were no indications they had been beaten with weapons.
He added that attempts to determine how the injuries occurred yielded no clear answers, as the brothers allegedly claimed they were struck by an unidentified individual. He also denied earlier claims that the suspects were strangled.
The witness further testified that the arrest was not an official operation of Tantita Security Services, raising further questions about the legality and coordination of the mission.
Following the testimony, lawyers representing the Office of the Attorney-General requested the court to summon key witnesses, including the pathologist who conducted the autopsy, as well as NSCDC personnel and Kemepadei himself. The coroner granted the application.
Meanwhile, legal representatives of Kemepadei expressed concern over an existing arrest warrant against their client, arguing it could deter him from appearing in court. Similar concerns were raised by counsel for two NSCDC officers currently in police custody.
In response, the coroner advised that such concerns be formally presented through proper legal channels for consideration.
The inquest was adjourned as proceedings continue to unravel the events leading to Patrick Peresuodei’s death—an incident that has sparked growing public scrutiny in Bayelsa State.
