Bayelsa PDP’s Amadein Tibiebi Arrested For Illegal Firearms Possession

The Nigerian Police have arrested Amadein Tibiebi, the Assistant Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, for alleged illegal possession of firearms. Tibiebi, an ex-militant, is currently undergoing interrogation at the Criminal Investigation Department of the Bayelsa State Police Command.

The arrest is a follow-up to a November 2021 incident in which Richard Okon was arrested for alleged illegal possession of firearms at a wake-keep in Koluama community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Okon, in a confessional video, claimed that the gun he was caught with belonged to Tibiebi, who he was working with.

Tibiebi was previously invited by the police, but he presented fake licenses and forged documents and was subsequently released due to his connections. His present arrest is based on a fresh petition to the police on allegations of threat to life because, according to a police source, he was not deterred by the 2021 incident and has been boastful of his connections.

When arrested, Tibiebi called senior citizens, including senators and top law enforcement officers, in a bid to avert detention. “Tibiebi is being investigated for alleged illegal possession of firearms. It is a serious offence, but he has been calling very powerful people to go scot free,” a source said.

Tibiebi is a nephew and chief security officer to former PDP state chairman, Cleopas Moses, who represented Bayelsa Central Senatorial District at the Ninth Senate. A community source said, “Tibiebi has been boastful about being untouchable by law enforcement officials because of his connections in the PDP and state government.”

When reached for comments, Zone 16 Public Relations Officer, Emonena Gunn, confirmed the arrest, stating that the matter is under investigation. However, he did not provide further details.

The arrest has raised concerns about the influence of political connections on law enforcement in Nigeria.