“Patrick Peresuode’s Family Wants Justice, But Court Gives Bodmas Online Comfort — Nigerians Furious”
By Passman Akpos
Bayelsa State’s judiciary is facing intense public scrutiny following the controversial virtual testimony of Bodmas Prince Kemepadei in the ongoing coroner’s inquest into the d3ath of late Patrick Peresuode, with angry Nigerians questioning whether justice in the country now favors only the rich and influential.
The proceedings, which took place before the Bayelsa State Coroner’s Court on Monday, have sparked outrage both online and offline after Bodmas was permitted to testify virtually instead of appearing physically in court despite being a central figure in the highly controversial case.
The development immediately ignited heated debates across Bayelsa and beyond, with critics accusing the judicial system of double standards and selective justice.
Many Nigerians openly questioned whether an ordinary citizen without influence or connections would have been granted the same privilege in such a sensitive d3ath-related proceeding.
“If Bodmas was poor, would Bayelsa Court allow virtual testimony in Patrick Peresuode’s d3ath case?” one furious social media user asked shortly after the hearing.
Another commentator blasted the judiciary, saying, “Justice for the rich, suffering for the poor? No Nigerian is above the law. Why is a key figure in a d3ath case allowed to hide behind virtual hearing?”
During his testimony, Bodmas denied ever assaulting or physically touching the deceased from the point of arr3st to the eventual handover to security authorities.
He maintained that Patrick Peresuode allegedly threatened his life on two separate occasions, including an alleged AK-47 threat on December 21, 2025, and another video threat on January 14, 2026, where the deceased allegedly vowed to pursue him using an armed Ijaw militia group.
According to Bodmas, those threats forced him to report the matter to the Operation Puff Adder Unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command, leading to the arr3st of Patrick Peresuode and his brother, Destiny Peresuode, in Amassoma on January 15, 2026.
He further claimed the suspects were found with charms and amulets allegedly intended for an att@ck and insisted that both men walked into the police station unaided and without visible injuries
Bodmas also disclosed that he was later informed by the Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Barnabas, that Patrick allegedly showed signs of mental instability while in custody before later being certified stable.
He told the court he only learned about Patrick’s d3ath afterward and was informed that the deceased had earlier been released to his family in good health.
However, under cross-examination, Bodmas admitted seeing the suspects tied with white fabric during the arr3st, though he repeatedly denied personally assaulting them.
His lawyer tendered alleged threat videos, communications with security agencies, and other evidence before the court, which later adjourned the matter sine die pending final ruling.
But despite the testimony, public anger continued to intensify over the court’s decision to allow virtual proceedings.
Several observers described the move as a dangerous signal capable of destroying public confidence in the Nigerian justice system.
“This is not justice. If he can speak through a screen and communicate freely with his lawyer, why can’t the court compel him to appear physically?” an activist in Yenagoa questioned.
Another angry resident said, “A poor fisherman from the creek would already be sitting inside prison. This country humiliates the poor and protects the powerful.”
Others accused the court of indirectly encouraging impunity by allowing a controversial figure in such a sensitive case to avoid physical appearance.
“Justice or cover-up? Nigerians deserve answers,” another critic stated.
The case has now become one of the most talked-about legal controversies in Bayelsa State, with increasing calls on the judiciary, the Bayelsa State Government, and security agencies to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability before the coroner delivers a final ruling.
