Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Rt. Hon. Justice E.G. Umokoro has regained his freedom after spending 12 harrowing days in the hands of kidnappers. His release comes without any ransom payment, despite an initial demand of ₦300 million in foreign currency.
Justice Umokoro was abducted in Yenagoa, sparking a massive security operation that eventually led to his rescue. A joint tactical team comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security outfits, led by the Commander of Operation Puff Adder, CSP Chris Nwaogbo, carried out the operation that brought the judge home safely.
Security sources revealed that the trail of the kidnappers led to Ekeremor, the judge’s hometown, where several suspects were identified. According to insiders, some of Justice Umokoro’s relatives reached out to families of the suspects, issuing stern warnings that intensified pressure on the abductors to release him.
The DSS Director in the state, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, confirmed on Thursday night that Justice Umokoro was released without any ransom and was found physically unhurt, though visibly exhausted from the ordeal.
Speaking after his release, a visibly shaken Justice Umokoro described his time in captivity as deeply traumatic. “I was confused in the kidnappers’ den. It was hard to believe what was happening. I was kept in the forest, exposed to cold, and I prayed constantly. I’m grateful to God that I came out alive,” he said.
The judge added that his captors taunted him, suggesting he should have fallen critically ill from the cold. “This experience is unforgettable. I can only thank God for sparing my life,” he said.
At the State DSS headquarters, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Daniel Ayah, praised the joint efforts of security agencies, the judiciary, and the state government. He acknowledged that the Chief Judge of the state was deeply disturbed by the incident. Justice Ayah confirmed that three major suspects have already been arrested, while additional key suspects remain at large.
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Commissioner of Police Francis Idu assured that law enforcement is intensifying efforts to apprehend all remaining suspects and ensure justice is served. A senior police source revealed that at least four individuals have been identified for their involvement in the kidnapping plot.
State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barr. Clement Kekemeke, commended the legal community for maintaining composure during the tense period. “The bar and bench stood united. We downed tools and boycotted court sessions to show solidarity. It shows that in times of trouble, unity is our greatest strength,” he said.
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, described the judge’s release as a victory for the state. She emphasized that the swift and coordinated rescue effort by security agencies underscores the effectiveness of the state’s investment in security infrastructure.
“Despite political propaganda aimed at discrediting the government’s efforts, this incident has proven that Bayelsa remains a secure and resilient state. Our security network is functional, and the rescue of Justice Umokoro is a testament to that,” she stated.
