“Stop Lying Against David Lyon!” — Lion Face Opens Fire on Dethroned Amananawei After JTF Gun Raid

By Passman Akpos

Fresh controversy has erupted in Ogboinbiri community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, following the dramatic security operation by the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the strong rebuttal issued by Mr. Daumiebi Okia, popularly known as “Lion Face,” over allegations linking him to weapons stockpiling, native wars, and the prolonged crisis rocking the community.

Okia, in a strongly worded statement titled “The Wailing of the Drowned Man Eseimokumo Benson Okosughe and His Enablers from Ogboinbiri Community,” dismissed claims that he was sponsoring violence or masterminding the removal of the Paramount Ruler, insisting that he was being falsely implicated by suspended Amananawei, Eseimokumo Benson Okosughe, whom he accused of weaponizing false accusations against innocent people.

His reaction followed reports by Tarakirivoice that Governor Douye Diri’s peacekeeping JTF stormed his residence in Ogboinbiri and allegedly recovered four guns, live ammunition, charms, and other dangerous materials believed to be linked to violent activities in the area. Several associates were reportedly arrested, while Okia was said to have escaped before security operatives arrived.

However, Okia denied any criminal intent, explaining that his security outfit, FACE & FACE Security, is a duly registered company responsible for securing the Seibou/Opukusi Oil Pipeline and coordinating surveillance activities for Tantita Security Services in the Egbema-Angalabiri axis

According to him, the four pump-action guns found in his possession were legally licensed and approved strictly for pipeline surveillance and protection while awaiting the deployment of conventional federal security personnel.

He stated that neither his company nor its workers should be linked to the leadership crisis surrounding Okosughe’s dethronement as Amananawei, insisting that his business has no operational connection to Tari Okoso, former Bayelsa governorship candidate Chief David Lyon, Darlon Security, or Labrador Security as being alleged in public narratives.

Okia accused Okosughe of deliberately dragging prominent names into his personal downfall, claiming the former traditional ruler had a history of framing innocent people, including community chiefs, over allegations of pipeline vandalism and native wars.

He further revealed that he once supported Okosughe’s emergence as Amananawei through the influence of his uncle and political leader, General Pius Andabai Wariyai, but later withdrew his support after discovering what he described as Okosughe’s pattern of causing unrest, promoting division, and falsely accusing respected elders in the community.

He also alleged that Okosughe had previously sought the help of David Lyon to be incorporated into Darlon Security’s operations in Ogboinbiri, and after being denied access, allegedly turned Lyon and the company into targets of persistent attacks and accusations.

Okia maintained that the Oseke family, to which Okosughe belongs paternally, should instead be grateful to Lyon for helping make them politically relevant in Bayelsa State rather than constantly attempting to tarnish his image and that of Darlon Security.

The latest development comes amid rising tensions in the community following the killing of Mr. Denyefa G. Ofolo on April 28, 2026, an incident that has worsened divisions and triggered renewed calls for justice and peace.

Community sources had earlier alleged that the JTF acted on intelligence reports of illegal arms stockpiling and violent plots involving influential actors in the crisis, with both Tari Okoso and Lion Face named in the investigation.

As accusations and counter-accusations continue to dominate the public space, residents are urging Governor Douye Diri and security agencies to carry out a transparent investigation and ensure that justice is served without political manipulation.

For now, Ogboinbiri remains on edge, with the battle for truth, power, and peace far from over.