The death of 24-year-old Patrick Peresuodei, a young man from Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, has ignited widespread anger and calls for justice across Bayelsa State. Peresuodei, known for his vocal criticism of local religious and cultural figures on social media, allegedly succumbed to injuries sustained during an arrest and detention linked to a heated online feud with Apostle Bodmas Prince Kemepadei, a prominent Ijaw advocate and self-proclaimed religious leader.
The incident stems from a series of Facebook posts by Peresuodei in December 2025 and January 2026, where he challenged Kemepadei's spiritual claims and accused him of deceiving the youth. Reports indicate that Peresuodei's posts included threats, such as references to using an AK-47, escalating the online banter into a real-world confrontation.
According to statements from the Bayelsa State Police Command, on January 15, 2026, Kemepadei, accompanied by four Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel, allegedly arrested Peresuodei and his 22-year-old brother, Destiny Peresuodei, from their home around 6 a.m. The brothers were taken to Kemepadei's residence in Yenagoa, where they were reportedly interrogated and assaulted before being handed over to the police's Operation Puff Adder unit.
Destiny Peresuodei, in accounts shared publicly, claimed that both brothers were beaten and tortured during this process. Patrick was released six days later in critical condition and died shortly after from what family members describe as severe injuries, including a broken spine.
Kemepadei has vehemently denied any direct involvement in the assault or death, labeling the accusations as "false narratives" spread on social media. In his version, he reported the threats to authorities, and the arrests were handled by security personnel. He insists that any mistreatment occurred after the brothers were in police custody.
Conversely, the police have pointed fingers back at Kemepadei, stating that the brothers arrived at the station already showing signs of abuse. A press release from the Bayelsa State Police Command, signed by DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed an ongoing investigation, including the interrogation of the NSCDC officers and the Operation Puff Adder team. The command has also activated efforts to locate Kemepadei, who is currently at large.
The tragedy has fueled protests in Amassoma, with youths carrying placards demanding accountability. Slogans like "Provide Bodmas! We Need Justice!" echoed through the streets as demonstrators called for all involved parties to face the law. The case has drawn national attention, with social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) visiting the grieving family to amplify their plea for justice.
Community leaders and residents express frustration over what they see as a dangerous intersection of online disputes, traditional beliefs, and alleged abuse of power. Peresuodei, a devotee of Desi Oru worship, had openly criticized Kemepadei, a Woyin worshiper, highlighting tensions within local spiritual practices.
As investigations continue, questions linger: Was this a case of vigilante overreach, police brutality, or a fatal escalation of a social media spat? The people of Bayelsa are united in their demand for transparency and justice, urging authorities to hold everyone accountable, regardless of influence or status.
