By Emem Idio, Yenagoa

A fresh twist has emerged in Bayelsa State following the death of 24- years- old Patrick Peresuodei, just days after his arrest over an alleged death threat, with a formal petition now appealing to the Inspector General of Police, IGP,. to immediately transfer the investigation to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The case which is already generating debates across social media, has triggered allegations of police complicity, counter-accusations, and mounting calls for an independent and transparent probe.

Counsel for social media influencer and blogger, Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, Mr Andrew Seweniowor Arthur, has formally petitioned the IGP Kayode Egbotokun for the immediate transfer of the investigation into the death of Mr. Patrick Peresuodei from the Bayelsa State Command of the Nigeria Police to the Force Headquarters, Abuja, citing the need for independence, transparency, and public confidence.

It was gathered that the petition followed the controversial arrest and subsequent death of Mr. Peresuodei shortly after his release from police custody.

The petition said: “On December 21, 2025, Mr. Patrick Peresuodei allegedly posted on Facebook a direct threat against Mr. Kemepadei, stating: “I would like to test an AK-47 on you Bodmas Prince Kemepadei. If it doesn’t penetrate, I’ll give you 10 million Naira cash.

“He subsequently released a video in the Ijaw language reiterating the threat. Copies of both the post and video have been submitted as evidence.

“On January 15, 2026, Mr. Peresuodei was arrested at about 7:15 a.m. at his residence in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, with the assistance of personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, officially assigned to Mr. Kemepadei.

“The deceased was transferred the same morning to “Operation Puff Adder” of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Yenagoa. His younger brother, initially suspected as an accomplice, was also arrested but later identified as uninvolved.

“Mr. Kemepadei was said to have provided a written statement and forwarded the alleged threat materials to the Investigating Police Officer and he was informed the suspect would likely be arraigned on January 20, 2026.

“On the evening of January 20, instead of receiving confirmation of arraignment, Mr. Kemepadei was informed by the IPO that Mr. Peresuodei was “acting irrationally,” speaking incoherently, and had been taken to the hospital.

“He was further told the suspect would be granted administrative bail and asked to return on January 26. But on January 30, Mr. Kemepadei reportedly learnt through social media that Peresuodei had died. The petition indicated that upon contacting the IPO, the death was confirmed.

“There are also claims that attempts may be underway to implicate Mr. Kemepadei as a prime suspect.”

Against this backdrop, the petition argued that it would be improper and unjust for the Bayelsa State Command whose officers may be subjects of scrutiny, to lead the investigation.

“The interest of justice demands that this investigation be handled outside the State Command to avoid conflict of interest and to guarantee credibility,” the petition stated.

The petition, therefore, called for the immediate transfer of the case file and investigation to the Force Headquarters, Abuja; or the constitution of a high-powered, independent investigative team to unravel the true circumstances surrounding Peresuodei’s death.

The counsel maintained that Mr. Kemepadei is ready and willing to cooperate fully with any independent investigation.

The petition emphasized that only a transparent, neutral, and credible probe could restore public confidence and ensure that justice is done—for the deceased, for the police institution, and for all parties involved.