Fresh allegations have surfaced in Bayelsa State accusing the Commissioner for Special Duties in Bayelsa West, Michael Magbesa, of involvement in the alleged abduction of Mr. Harris Ezuwe, a former youth leader and serving Community Development Committee financial secretary in Sagbama Local Government Area.
According to reports from community sources, Ezuwe was allegedly whisked away by suspected thugs on Saturday night and taken to an unknown location. The reports claim that he was later found at Puff Harder, an area said to be within a section of the Bayelsa State Police Command in Yenagoa, raising concerns about possible security complicity.
The same reports allege that the intention behind Ezuwe’s abduction was for him to be beaten to death after large sums of money were allegedly paid to security operatives. These claims have not been officially confirmed by the police, and no formal statement has been issued by law enforcement authorities as of the time of this report.
Ezuwe was reportedly released on Sunday, a day after the alleged incident. Community members have confirmed that he returned safely and is currently in good condition, sparking relief among residents and supporters who had expressed fear over his safety.
The alleged incident has intensified accusations against Commissioner Magbesa, who has been described by community members as becoming increasingly confrontational since his appointment. Reports claim that he has repeatedly insulted elders, ordered arrests without clear justification, and deepened political divisions within his community, creating an atmosphere of fear and discomfort for residents.
Sources further allege that Ezuwe has been arrested more than three times in the past without formal charges. It is also claimed that during Magbesa’s tenure as chairman of the local council, Ezuwe was demoted from a senior staff position to a junior role for nine months before eventually being dismissed from his job under disputed circumstances.
Tensions reportedly escalated following Ezuwe’s alleged abduction, as youths in the community were said to have issued threats against a younger relative of the commissioner, identified as Okoro. According to reports, a recorded phone call was shared on a community platform, warning that houses would be burned if Ezuwe was not released. Community leaders later appealed for calm to prevent the situation from deteriorating into violence.
Additional allegations claim that Commissioner Magbesa and his younger relatives were seen on land said to belong to Ezuwe, uprooting stubborn grass and using it in a nearby river for what sources described as a spiritual cleansing ritual connected to political ambition. These claims remain unverified, but the dispute has reportedly been taken to court, where the parties have already made their first appearance.
There are also political allegations linked to the recent All Progressives Congress membership registration exercise. Reports claim that the commissioner allegedly misled the state executive council by stating that he registered on January 15, while records reportedly indicate that his registration took place on January 17. It is further alleged that he registered in Ogbai Local Government Area instead of his home local government, Sagbama, raising questions about compliance with party guidelines.
Concerned Bayelsans, including those living outside the state, have stated that they are closely monitoring developments. They have called on Governor Douye Diri to urgently intervene, warning that the commissioner’s alleged actions and conduct could result in a serious security breach if not addressed.
Supporters of Ezuwe have emphasized that he is a former youth president who played a key role in community development and currently serves as CDC financial secretary in Sagbama. They insist that any harm that befalls him should be the responsibility of those accused of targeting and harassing him.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Commissioner Magbesa nor the Bayelsa State Government has issued an official response to the allegations, while residents continue to call for a transparent investigation to ensure accountability and prevent further unrest.
