Terror In The Robe: Abducted Bayelsa Judge Finally Regains Freedom

After nearly two weeks in captivity, Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, has finally regained his freedom.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

His release followed a coordinated pressure campaign by a combined security task force led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, commander of Operation Puff Adder. Justice Omukoro was rescued 13 days after his abduction without any ransom paid, despite an earlier demand of ₦300 million in foreign currency by the kidnappers.

Security sources revealed that the perpetrators were traced to the Ekeremor area of Bayelsa State, the judge’s hometown. The breakthrough reportedly came after some of Justice Omukoro’s relatives contacted the kidnappers’ families directly and issued stern warnings, demanding his immediate release.

Confirming the development on Thursday night, the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, said the judge was rescued unharmed.

Speaking shortly after his rescue at the DSS headquarters, a visibly drained Justice Omukoro, dressed in a grey sweater, described his experience as deeply traumatic.

“I was disoriented in the kidnappers’ den,” he said. “It’s still hard to believe I was abducted and kept in a forest, exposed to cold. The kidnappers even said I should have fallen seriously ill. I’m grateful to God I made it out alive. I’ll always testify to His goodness.”

Justice Daniel Ayah, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, praised the collaboration between the judiciary, security agencies, and the state government. He also confirmed that three suspects had been arrested, while three others remained at large.

Commissioner Idu emphasized that the rescue was the result of a highly coordinated security effort.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Chairman in Bayelsa, Barr. Clement Kekemeke, commended the legal community for their solidarity throughout the ordeal.

“We downed tools and boycotted court sessions. Everyone stood united. This experience shows that unity is our strength in the face of adversity,” he stated.