Lawyer Vows Justice as Bayelsa Youth’s Brutal Murder Sparks Outrage

By Paul Ebi

A legal practitioner and public affairs commentator, Barrister Daumiebi Festus, has strongly condemned the killing of Master Patrick Peresuodei, describing the incident as a “brutal and condemnable act” that must not be swept under the carpet, regardless of the status or influence of those allegedly involved.

In a statement released on Friday, Barr. Festus expressed deep outrage over what he described as the obvious torture and murder of the young man, insisting that justice must prevail.

“The obvious torture, and brutal murder of Master Patrick Peresuodei shall never be swept under the carpet, no matter how highly placed or connected the alleged perpetrators are,” he said.

Barr. Festus clarified that he had no prior relationship with the victim or his family, stressing that his intervention was purely driven by the need for justice and respect for human life.

“I do not know the victim or his family, neither have I ever come in contact with him, but I pledge to support his family to get justice for this dastardly act. This is most unfortunate, condemnable, and stands condemned,” he stated.

He also took a swipe at individuals he described as “self-acclaimed Ijaw struggle champions,” accusing some of promoting selfish interests by allegedly justifying or supporting the act.

“Those whose end game is self-serving and driven by primitive ego, and who are ostensibly supporting this evil, should know that actions have consequences,” he warned.

Addressing the role of security agencies, Barr. Festus cautioned officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Bayelsa State against any form of complicity, while expressing confidence in the professionalism of the institution.

“I do not want to believe that the police, as an institution, would be part of this barbaric act. No security personnel should accept the risk of bearing responsibility for this animal behaviour, except such an officer does not understand the full weight of what is to follow,” he said.

The lawyer disclosed that he has already mobilised his legal team, who met with the family of the deceased earlier in the day at Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. According to him, the family has fully briefed his lawyers on the matter.

He further revealed that four separate petitions have been prepared and are to be submitted to relevant authorities, including Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, the Inspector General of Police, the Director of the State Security Service in Abuja, and the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State.

“My assurance to the family is that the killers of Mr. Patrick shall be brought to face justice squarely,” Barr. Festus vowed.Emphasising cultural values, he noted that the act runs contrary to the core principles of the Ijaw people.

“Ijaw means truth, and all well-meaning Ijaw leaders are expected to condemn this abomination. These are alien behaviours to Ijaw people,” he said.

Barr. Festus concluded by describing it as “deeply disturbing and disheartening” that anyone would support the killing of a Nigerian youth over alleged criticism on social media, calling on all stakeholders to stand on the side of justice.