Kidnapped Bayelsa Judge Regains Freedom

The abducted Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Justice E. G. Umokoro, has regained his freedom after spending 12 days in captivity.  Justice Umukoro, who is a presiding judge of High Court 7 sitting in Yenagoa, was abducted at gunpoint while trying to exit the premises of a popular eatery, where he drove himself to buy […]

The abducted Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Justice E. G. Umokoro, has regained his freedom after spending 12 days in captivity. 

Justice Umukoro, who is a presiding judge of High Court 7 sitting in Yenagoa, was abducted at gunpoint while trying to exit the premises of a popular eatery, where he drove himself to buy bread.

Some eyewitnesses in the area told Daily Trust that the gunmen wearing black uniforms, first approached the judge, demanded he should come down from his car and meet their oga inside the parked Hilux. When he refused, they shot at him but missed, before they dragged him into their car.

The State Director of DSS in the state, Mr Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi and the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, announced his release to newsmen on Thursday night in Yenagoa, the state capital.

They, however, said no ransom was paid.

The kidnappers had last Saturday demanded sum equivalent of N300 million in foreign currency for his release.

CP Idu said the release of the judge followed days of joint Police Tactical operations led by the Commander of of the Operation Puff Adder, CSP Chris Nwaogbo.

It was also gathered that 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.

The Judge, 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 begining 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 rescue alive.

“I can’t thank God enough.it will always be an unforgettable experience for me. I thank God I came out in scattered.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Daniel Ayah, has said the rescue of Justice Umokoro is a collective efforts of the security agencies, the Judiciary and the State Government.

Speaking at the State headquarters of the DSS, Justice Ayah pointed out that the Chief Judge of the State was disturbed with the 12 days kidnapping drama of Justice Umokoro.

He confirmed that that three major suspects were arrested in connection to the judge abduction, adding that the police had identified three key suspects who are still at large.

The State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barr. Clement Kekemeke, commended the men of the judiciary and the bar for their calmness and composure during the 12 days abduction of the judge.

Bayelsa State Commissioner of Information, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, expressed joy at the release of the judge, saying it had vindicated the State Government and affirmed the state as a safe haven.