Prison Inmate Mistaken for Corps Member Reported Missing
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command have launched an investigation into the case of a missing member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Levi Anyanwu.
The development was made known by the spokesperson of the Command, Musa Mohammed, in a statement he issued to newsmen on Monday.
According to available information as at press time, Anyanwu, 24, with NYSC Registration Number: BYS/25A/0244, and with place of primary assignment at Ijaw National Academy, located in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state, went missing on October 8, 2025.
Mohammed said following the receipt of the distress call and fearing an untoward incident, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command was tasked to take measures to locate and produce the corps member.
He said: “Contacts were made with his place of primary assignment, at Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama, where detectives were informed that the subject frequents habitation of persons of his Jehovah’s Witness Faith, Mr/Mrs Wisdom George.
“Further disclosures were made by Mr. George that the corp member complained of illness and was taken for treatment at the Kaiama Referral Hospital, on 04/10/25, and was reportedly discharged on the 05/10/25.
“That on the 06/10/25, the missing corps member disappeared to unknown destination.
“On 10/10/25, one, Mr. Oke Emmanuel, a corps member, who is said to be the roommate of the subject, was invited by detectives and interrogated.
“He confirmed that the subject was with the George family until 06/10/25.
“The missing youth corps member’s phone was left in his apartment.
“Detectives followed a GSM call from No 0906193291, that was later traced to an inmate detained at Igbara prison, Abeokuta, in Ogun State, in connection with a kidnapping case.
“The suspect claimed that they saw the telephone number on the social media and decided to take advantage of the father of the victim, Mr. Anyanwu Simon ‘m’ 56 years.
“The sum of N100,000 was paid to account Opay; 7042793493, belonging to one Atinuke Oluwalose, a close collaborator with the detained inmate at Abeokuta prison.
“From the findings by detectives, a disturbing realisation may have impelled the victims actions.
“There are declarations he made about certain recent social preferences and appetite that impinge on his religious beliefs.
“Measures are still ongoing to consolidate law enforcement activities, to enable a proper conclusion on the findings of the detectives, as the findings are quite revealing.
“There is no case of kidnapping in this peculiar incident.
“Efforts are still ongoing to ensure foreclosure is found to the ongoing inquiry.”