A Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa has sentenced the State Commissioner of Police, Alonyenu Francis Iduh, to prison for failing to follow a court order. The case involves a long-standing land dispute in Yenizue-gene, where nine families have been fighting to reclaim their property.

The land in question is located in Asam, along Elebele-Opolo Road. It was previously occupied by Saipem but later taken over by Operation Doo-Akpo, a security agency owned by the state. However, the land rightfully belongs to the Fabiri, Ayoko, Aku, Ugbon, Obediah, Sampson, and Boye families of Yenizue-gene.

A court first ruled in favor of these families on November 26, 2016. This ruling was later confirmed by the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt in 2021. Despite these judgments, the police continued to occupy the land without the families’ approval.

The families took further legal action after the police refused to comply with the court’s decision. In 2022, they initiated committal proceedings against the Commissioner of Police. After multiple delays, the court finally issued a ruling on December 27, 2024, sentencing him to prison for ignoring the order.

The families’ lawyer, Ukunbiriowei Saiyou, stated that the police failed to appear in court or challenge the rulings. He also urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the judgment is enforced.

Representatives of the affected families, Chief Honest Boye Wilson and Hon. Manager Fabiri, have expressed their concerns about the unlawful occupation of their land. However, they have promised to remain peaceful and law-abiding while seeking justice.

The case highlights the importance of respecting court orders and land ownership rights. It also raises concerns about law enforcement agencies disregarding judicial decisions. As the legal battle continues, the affected families remain hopeful that justice will be served.