WANTED: Bayelsa Police Declare “BODMAS” Prince Kemepadei Wanted for Murder as ₦1M Bounty Posted by VeryDarkMan Sparks Viral Manhunt

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The Bayelsa State Police Command has officially declared social media personality and self-styled Apostle Bodmas Prince Kemepadei wanted for conspiracy and murder following the death of 24-year-old Patrick Peresuodei, triggering a high-profile statewide manhunt that has now gone viral across Nigeria.

Authorities confirmed that a court-issued arrest warrant has been obtained and an official wanted notice circulated through police channels, including ABS Radio & Television and verified social media platforms. The public notice urges residents to report any information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts and warns that anyone found harboring him will face prosecution.

According to details released in the wanted poster, Bodmas Prince Kemepadei — popularly known as “BODMAS” — is accused of conspiracy and involvement in the alleged abduction, torture, and eventual death of Patrick Peresuodei. His last known address was listed as ICCH Centre, Tenacious Street, Ede-Epie, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Police and family accounts outline a disturbing sequence of events that reportedly began on January 15, 2026. Authorities allege that Kemepadei, accompanied by youths and personnel identified as belonging to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), stormed the Peresuodei family home in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, over alleged threatening Facebook posts.

Patrick Peresuodei and his brother Destiny were reportedly taken from their home and transported to the suspect’s residence in Yenagoa. Family members claim both men were tied up and subjected to severe beating and torture for several hours. Destiny was later released, while Patrick was handed over to police custody. On January 28, 2026, Patrick was pronounced dead after sustaining injuries allegedly linked to the incident, with relatives asserting that police custody conditions and prior abuse contributed to his death.

The case initially appeared to involve cybercrime-related arrest procedures but escalated into murder allegations following public outrage and mounting pressure from activists. Social media commentator and activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has amplified the controversy by announcing a ₦1,000,000 cash reward for credible information leading to the suspect’s arrest. The bounty offer has fueled viral circulation of wanted posters and campaign videos across Instagram, X, TikTok, and Facebook, with the hashtag movement rapidly trending nationwide.

Governor Douye Diri has reportedly directed the Bayelsa State Attorney General to assume oversight of the investigation to ensure comprehensive prosecution and accountability. Security authorities say interrogations are ongoing involving individuals linked to the operation, including NSCDC personnel, as intelligence units intensify efforts to track down the fugitive suspect.

The development has sparked heated public debate about the dangers of online disputes escalating into physical confrontations, concerns over alleged extrajudicial actions, and questions regarding police procedure in handling cyber-related complaints. Civil society groups and youth organizations have joined calls for transparency and justice under trending hashtags demanding accountability.

Authorities have reiterated that harboring a wanted person constitutes a criminal offence and urged anyone with credible information to report immediately to the Bayelsa State Police Command.

Investigations remain active, and further updates are expected as the manhunt continues.