JUST-IN: Police Officer Declared Wanted Over Bayelsa Judge’s Abduction

The Bayelsa State Police Command has dismissed a serving police officer, Sergeant Obrientele Ebiarede, over alleged involvement in the kidnapping of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the State High Court.

Sergeant Ebiarede, who hails from Foutorugbene in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the State, same hometown as the abducted judge, was also declared a deserter and placed on a police wanted list after failing to report for duty for more than 30 days.

In a statement released by the Bayelsa State Police Command and approved by Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, the officer was found in violation of Section 398(1) of the Police Act and Regulations, 2020.

According to The Gazette, a senior police official who spoke under anonymity, said, “His continuous absence from duty and emerging intelligence linking him to the kidnap of a senior judicial officer warranted immediate dismissal and declaration as a wanted person”

Authorities said the Sergeant had been drawing his salary from the Enugu State Police Command, even while absent from his duty post. The Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and the Police Budget Office have been directed to cease further payments to him. He is also expected to be ejected from the police barracks as part of disciplinary measures.

So far, eight suspects, six men and two women, have been arrested in connection with the abduction of Justice Omukoro, who was kidnapped in June and held in captivity for 13 days. The abductors reportedly demanded N300 million in foreign currency, although the judge was eventually released without a ransom being paid.

Among those arrested is Emizibo Clement, also known as “Obonor,” who was apprehended by a joint team of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Operation Puff Adder at his residence in Edepie. A motorcycle allegedly used by Sergeant Ebiarede to transport logistics to the kidnappers was recovered during the operation.

Clement, who owns the residential property where he was arrested, has left his tenants in disbelief.

“He was always quiet and respectful. I would never have imagined he could be involved in something like this,” said a tenant.

Investigations are being led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, head of Operation Puff Adder in Bayelsa, and police signals have since been dispatched to all state commands and the 17 Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) zones across the country for the immediate arrest of the fugitive officer.

“No one who desecrates the uniform and oath of service will be shielded. We are working with other commands and agencies to ensure Sergeant Ebiarede is brought to justice,” Commissioner Idu affirmed.

The Police High Command has intensified its search, urging the public to provide information that may lead to the arrest of the dismissed sergeant.

Justice Omukoro has since resumed duties, though sources say he was still recovering from the traumatic experience.