A Magistrate’s Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has ordered the detention 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). The incident reportedly occurred on New Year’s Day at the minister’s residence in Ekeremor town, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Morgan, who is also facing charges of unlawful possession of two AK-47 assault rifles, was apprehended at Lokpobiri’s residence. The court’s remand warrant was issued at the request of the state Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, and filed by Police Prosecutor Stella Jerry-Friday. The warrant authorizes Morgan’s detention at Okaka Prison for 30 days to facilitate further investigations and the pursuit of six accomplices who remain at large.
Details of the Charge
The charge sheet states: “The defendant was arrested on January 1, 2025, at Senator Lokpobiri’s residence for conspiring with others to commit armed robbery, attempted kidnapping, and for being in possession of two AK-47 rifles.”
The Police Prosecutor emphasized that the request for Morgan’s remand was crucial to prevent any interference with the ongoing investigation, particularly as six suspects involved in the alleged plot are still on the run.
A police source noted, “The detention is necessary to allow the investigative team to track and apprehend the remaining suspects.”
How the Incident Unfolded
According to security reports, seven suspects gained access to Senator Lokpobiri’s residence by blending in with the large crowd of visitors who were there to pay homage. Alerted to the presence of armed individuals among the visitors, military personnel stationed at the residence acted swiftly to neutralize the threat without endangering the crowd.
“Due to the sheer number of people present, the soldiers could not open fire but ordered everyone to lie down,” a security source disclosed. “Morgan, who was carrying a bag containing the weapons, was arrested at the scene, while the others escaped by mingling with the crowd.”
As the fleeing suspects made their escape, they reportedly fired shots into the air, causing panic in the community. During their escape, they attacked a local filling station, seizing N400,000 before disappearing from the area.
Investigations Ongoing
Police investigations are now focused on tracking the six at-large suspects. The remand of Morgan is expected to provide investigators with the time needed to gather critical evidence and expand their search efforts.
Hobnob News will continue to provide updates as this story develops.
