By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Operatives of Operation Puff Adder under the Bayelsa State Police Command have arrested 38-year-old Iliasu Mohammed in connection with the August 21, 2022 shooting of Ekperi Edwin Osuo in Yenagoa, authorities confirmed. The arrest follows renewed investigations into the incident, which police described as an attempted armed robbery and assassination targeting the serving officer.
Inspector Edwin was shot in the stomach along Akenfa Street during the attack. He suffered life-threatening injuries and underwent emergency surgery. Police sources said pellets from the gunshot reportedly remain lodged in his body more than three years later.
The case regained attention after allegations surfaced that a key suspect had earlier been released under questionable circumstances. The suspect was reportedly handed over to the Nigeria Police Force by the military before the alleged release.
A fresh petition submitted to the State Commissioner of Police, Daniel Iyamah, led to the reassignment of the case to Operation Puff Adder. The unit is headed by Chris Nwaogbo and is known for intelligence-driven operations.
The suspect is currently in police custody and is expected to be arraigned before the Bayelsa State High Court. This marks the first major prosecutorial step since the incident occurred.
Police authorities said the move reflects the Commissioner’s commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation, especially as the victim is a serving officer. Meanwhile, the Department of Public Prosecution has approved the case for prosecution, while investigations continue ahead of the arraignment.
