JUST-IN: Abducted Bayelsa Judge Regains Freedom

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

LEADERSHIP reports that the incident happened around 7pm on Saturday night, June 21, 2025, when he parked his car in front of a eatery to buy bread alongside his two daughters. There was a brief struggle before the gunmen forced him into their vehicle and drove off.

The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, announced on Thursday night that the abducted Judge was regained his freedom without ransom and rescued unhurt after 12 days in captivity.

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

However, the release of the judge followed days of joint tactical operations by Police led by the Commander of the 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 relations reached out to families of his abductors and threatened fire and brimstone if he was not released with immediate effect.

The victim, Justice Umokoro, who looked tired, expressed appreciation to everyone that participated in his rescue efforts, describing 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 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 unscattered. The kidnappers told me I should have fallen critically ill. I was subjected to cold. I prayed to God that if I come out, I will testify to his goodness,” Justice Umokoro narrated.

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

Justice Ayah pointed out that the Chief Judge of the State was disturbed with the 12-day kidnap drama of Justice Umokoro.

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

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

The State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barr. 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 court boycott and down tool. Everyone played their roles and it tells us that in time 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 safe release of the judge has vindicated the State Government and affirmed the State as a safe haven.

She pointed out that despite the attempts by propagandists to rubbish the efforts of the State Government in terms of investment in security, the security agencies rose up 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 stated.