Kidnapped Bayelsa judge regains freedom after 12 days in captivity

A Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, has regained freedom after 12 days in captivity.

Omukoro was presented to newsmen on Thursday evening at the Bayelsa State headquarters of the Department of State Security in Yenagoa.

Punch Metro gathered that the kidnappers had demanded N300 million equivalent in foreign currency as ransom, but he was released without payment of ransom

It was also gathered that his release followed days of joint police tactical operations led by the Commander of the Operation Puff Adder, Mr Chris Nwaogbo.

Some of the suspects involved in the kidnapping were identified and traced to Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State where Omukoro hails from.

Security sources hinted that some of the judge’s relations had reached out to the families of his abductors and threatened fire and brimstone if he was not released.

State Director of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, and Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, told newsmen that Omukoro was released without ransom and unhurt.

Looking visibly tired, the judge expressed appreciation to everyone that participated in his rescue efforts saying the last 12 days were confusing.

Omukoro stated: “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 unscathed.

“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.”

President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, said Omukoro’s rescue is a collective effort of the security agencies, the judiciary and the state government.

Ayah pointed out that Bayelsa Chief Judge, Justice Mathilda Ayemieye, was disturbed with the 12-day drama of Omukoro’s kidnapping.

He said that three major suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnap and that the police has identified three other key suspects who are still at large.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, said the joint efforts of the security agencies abounded towards the rescue of the judge.

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

“We embarked on court boycott and downed tools. Everyone played their roles and it tells us that in time of trouble, we should be united,” Kekemeke said.

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, expressed joy at the release of the abducted judge, saying his safe release has vindicated the state government and affirmed the state as a safe haven.

Koku-Obiyai pointed out that despite the attempts by propagandist 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.

She said, “It is a triumph that the security agencies are working harmoniously with the state government. Bayelsa has invested so much in security.”

Source: Punch