YENAGOA — The Chiefs and leadership of Diebu Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have called on the Bayelsa State Government and security agencies to arrest and prosecute individuals allegedly involved in impersonation, fraud, and acts capable of causing unrest in the community.
The community leaders specifically named Mr. Dominic Bafumodei, Mr. Timothy Mathew Mr. David Ofere, and other members of a group allegedly operating under the direction of Mr. Ebi Mathew, whom they accused of illegally parading themselves as representatives of the Community Development Committee (CDC).
According to the chiefs, a duly conducted CDC election was held on November 5, 2025, during which Mr. Prosper Mathew emerged victorious, while his opponent, Mr. Ebi Mathew, was defeated. They stated that following the election, Prosper Mathew was officially sworn in as CDC Chairman on January 1, 2026.
The community leadership alleged that despite losing the election, Ebi Mathew and his associates formed a parallel group, allegedly headed by Dominic Bafumodei, and began presenting themselves as the legitimate CDC leadership of the community.
They further alleged that the group printed unauthorized community letterheads and official stamps, issued purported scholarship offers in the name of the community, and allegedly defrauded unsuspecting members of the public through various schemes.
According to the chiefs, Ebi Mathew was arrested on June 17, 2026, in connection with the allegations. However, due to court-free days between Wednesday and Friday, he could not be immediately arraigned.
The community leaders disclosed that he is expected to be formally charged in court today, Monday, June 22, 2026.
While commending security agencies for the arrest, the chiefs urged law enforcement authorities to intensify investigations and apprehend other members of the alleged group who remain at large.
They emphasized that swift action against all those involved would help restore peace, protect the integrity of community institutions, and serve as a deterrent against impersonation and fraudulent activities within Diebu Community.
The leadership reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the outcome of the community’s CDC election and called on residents to remain law-abiding while allowing the legal process to take its course.
