41-year-old nabbed over Bayelsa sand dealer’s death

The Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Ani Iniedu

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of a 41-year-old man, Somkiemi Tommy, over the alleged murder of a sand business operator, Thankgod Kalaba, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Iniedu stated that Kalaba was reportedly murdered after going to the river on October 29, 2026, with his body allegedly tied to a boat and submerged in the water.

Iniedu said the police commenced an investigation following a report about the victim’s disappearance and suspected murder.

“Preliminary findings indicated that the victim was allegedly trailed and murdered by Somkiemi Tommy, 41,” the statement read.

The police spokesperson added that the suspect allegedly tied the victim’s body to a boat before submerging it in the river.

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He noted that the suspect was arrested by police operatives working with youths in Yenaka.

“Acting on the report, police operatives, in collaboration with Yenaka youths, successfully arrested the suspect,” Iniedu stated.

He added that Tommy was in police custody, while the command’s Criminal Investigation Department had commenced further investigations.

PUNCH Metro reported on Friday that the family of a late businessman, Solomon Iwerebor, urged the police not to compromise investigations into his suspected murder, demanding that anyone found culpable be prosecuted.

The deceased’s brother, Justin, and his wife, Anthonia, were arrested on Monday over the businessman’s death. He was reportedly staying with the couple before his death.

Speaking at a press conference, Solomon’s sisters, Stella Iwerebor and Udo Hamis, alongside their lawyer, Dr Charles Mekwunye, SAN, said the family was distressed by the circumstances surrounding his death and the lack of information about what happened.