The Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Rt. Hon. Justice E.G. Omukoro, has regained his freedom after spending 12 harrowing days in captivity. His release was secured without the payment of any ransom.
Justice Omukoro was abducted two weeks ago, with his kidnappers initially demanding a ransom equivalent to ₦300 million in foreign currency. However, his freedom was eventually achieved through a series of coordinated operations carried out by a joint task force involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies.
Security sources revealed that several suspects connected to the abduction were traced to Ekeremor, the judge’s hometown. Following a string of tactical operations, three suspects have been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others still at large.
Confirming the release on Thursday night, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, and the State Director of the DSS disclosed that Justice Omukoro was rescued unharmed and did not require ransom payment. Upon his release, the visibly exhausted judge expressed immense gratitude to all involved in his rescue.
“I was beginning to lose hope in that forest,” Justice Omukoro recounted. “I still can’t believe I was kidnapped and left exposed to the cold and harsh conditions. But I thank God I came out alive. I’m grateful to the Police Commissioner, the DSS Director, the Governor, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, my Chief Judge in Bayelsa, fellow judges, the Bar, and everyone who contributed to my rescue. I prayed that if I survived, I would testify to God’s goodness.”
At a briefing held at the DSS state headquarters, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Daniel Ayah, lauded the unity between the security agencies, judiciary, and state government in ensuring Justice Omukoro’s release. He noted that the Chief Judge of Bayelsa was deeply concerned throughout the ordeal.
Commissioner of Police Francis Idu reiterated that the successful rescue was a result of strong collaboration among all security forces.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the state, Barrister Clement Kekemeke, praised the legal community for their solidarity, revealing that they embarked on a court boycott during the period of the abduction. “Everyone stood firm and united. It was a demonstration of collective resolve in the face of adversity,” he said.
Meanwhile, a senior police source confirmed that four key suspects have been identified in the case, and further investigations are ongoing to apprehend all those involved.
Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, expressed delight over the judge’s safe return. She stated that the rescue vindicated the efforts of the Bayelsa State Government in maintaining security across the state.
“Despite the attempts by some to downplay our investments in security, this operation shows that Bayelsa remains a safe haven. Our security agencies rose to the challenge and demonstrated efficiency and dedication. It’s a clear sign of the state’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its citizens,” she added.
