Abducted Bayelsa High Court Judge Regains Freedom

The Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Justice E. G. Umokoro, who was abducted in front of a popular eatery located opposite Ekeki Park in Yenagoa, has regained freedom.

The incident happened around 7pm on Saturday, June 21, 2025, when he parked at the eatery to buy bread with his two daughters. There was a brief struggle before the gunmen forced him into their vehicle and drove off.

The State Director of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi and the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, had announced on Thursday night that the abducted Judge was released without ransom and rescued unhurt after 12 days in captivity.

They disclosed that the kidnappers had on Saturday last week demanded a sum equivalent to N300 million in foreign currency for his release.

The judge’s release followed days of joint Police Tactical operations led by the Commander of Operation Puff Adder, CSP Chris Nwaogbo. Few of the suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction were identified and traced to the Ekeremor area of the State where the abducted Judge hails from.

According to security sources, some of his relatives reached out to the families of his abductors and threatened fire and brimstone if he is not released immediately.

The released Justice Umokoro, who looked tired, expressed appreciation to everyone who participated in his rescue efforts and described the last 12 days as “confusing.”

“I was confused in the kidnappers’ den. I was beginning to get confused. I still could not come to terms with the fact that I was kidnapped and kept in the forest and exposed to the 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 unscathed. The kidnappers told me I should have fallen critically ill. I was exposed to the cold. I prayed to God that if I come out, I will testify to his goodness”, Justice Umokoro said.

Speaking at the DSS’s State headquarters, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Daniel Ayah, said the rescue of Justice Umokoro is a collective effort of the security agencies, the Judiciary, and the State Government.

Justice Ayah pointed out that the Chief Judge of the State was disturbed by Justice Umokoro’s 12-day kidnapping drama.

He confirmed that the three major suspects were arrested in connection with the judge’s abduction and that the police have identified three key suspects who are still at large.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, said the joint efforts of the security agencies are bound together towards the rescue of the abducted judge.

The State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barrister Clement Kekemeke, commended the men of the judiciary and the bar for their calmness and composure during the 12-day abduction of the judge. “We embarked on a court boycott and went on strike. Everyone played their roles, and it tells us that in times of trouble, we should be united.”

The State Commissioner of Information, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, expressed joy at the release of the abducted judge, adding that the judge’s safe release vindicated the State Government and affirmed the State as a haven.

She pointed out that despite propagandists’ attempts to rubbish the State Government’s efforts in terms of investment in security, the security agencies rose to the occasion by ensuring that he was rescued unhurt.

“It is a triumph that the security agencies are working harmoniously with the State Government. Bayelsa has invested so much in security”, she said.