The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested five people over the alleged murder of a 38-year-old man accused of raping a young woman in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area.

The victim, identified as Samuel Ofiri, was reportedly found dead by the roadside along Kakatar Road in Otuoke. His body, bearing signs consistent with torture, was discovered after a distress call alerted officers at the Kolo Divisional Headquarters.

Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Daniel Edebor, confirmed the arrests and said detectives are probing the circumstances that led to Ofiri’s death. According to him, preliminary findings indicate that Ofiri was accused of raping a lady and was subsequently taken to a private apartment, where he was allegedly tortured until he died.

The suspects in custody have been named as Stanley Inemugha, 21; Ipagaro Memidin, 21; Kingsley Taribo, 25; and Boye Easter, 22, all from Otakeme community, as well as 40-year-old Preye Timbiri from Otuoke community.

Police said Ofiri’s body was evacuated from the scene and taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Otuoke, for further examination as part of the ongoing investigation. The exact nature of the injuries and the medical cause of death have not yet been made public.

Commissioner Edebor stressed that while allegations of sexual violence are grave and must be thoroughly investigated, no individual or group is permitted to take the law into their own hands. He condemned what he described as “jungle justice” and warned that anyone found participating in mob attacks or extra-judicial punishments would be prosecuted.

He urged residents to report suspected crimes, including rape and other forms of gender-based violence, directly to law enforcement agencies rather than resorting to retaliation. The police, he said, are under obligation to investigate such complaints and ensure that both victims and suspects receive justice under the law.

The five suspects are currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department. Police authorities say they will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, which will determine the specific offences to be preferred against them.