…the Bayelsa judge was released unhurt without any payment.
The iNews Times reports that the Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, has regained his freedom after spending 12 days in captivity.
The iNews Times had reported that Justice Omukoro was abducted on June 21, 2025, by masked gunmen at Kilimanjaro Eatery in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.
It was gathered that the kidnappers demanded N300 million in foreign currency as ransom, but Omukoro was released unhurt without any payment.
His release followed days of joint police tactical operations led by Commander Chris Nwaogbo of Operation Puff Adder.
Some suspects were identified and traced to Ekeremor Local Government Area, where Omukoro hails from.
Omukoro’s rescue was confirmed on Thursday, July 3, with security agencies and the Nigerian Bar Association praising the successful operation.
The state director of Department of State Services (DSS) Oluwatosin Ajayi, and Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, announced Omukoro’s release, saying he was rescued without ransom and was in good health.
Speaking after his release, Omukoro expressed gratitude to everyone involved in his rescue, describing the experience as “confusing” and “unforgettable.”
He said, “I was confused in the kidnappers’ den. I still cannot come to terms with the fact that I was kidnapped and kept in the forest and exposed to cold. I thank God I was rescued alive. I can’t thank God enough; it will always be an unforgettable experience for me. I thank God I came out alive.”
Three major suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnapping, president of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, revealed, adding that three other key suspects were still at large.
Commissioner of Police Francis Idu attributed the successful rescue to joint efforts by security agencies.
Stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association and state officials, commended the security agencies for their collaboration and swift action. State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barr. Clement Kekemeke, praised the judiciary and the bar for their calmness during the ordeal, saying, “We embarked on court boycott and downed tools. Everyone played their roles, and it tells us that in times of trouble, we should be united.”
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, expressed joy at Omukoro’s safe release, saying it vindicated the state government’s efforts in security.
Adding that, “It is a triumph that the security agencies are working harmoniously with the state government. Bayelsa has invested so much in security”.
