Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court has been rescued after spending 12 harrowing days in the hands of kidnappers.
He was presented to the press on Thursday evening at the Bayelsa State headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Yenagoa.
Although the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦300 million in foreign currency, law enforcement authorities confirmed that no ransom was paid for his release.
His freedom was the result of a coordinated tactical operation spearheaded by the Commander of Operation Puff Adder, Mr. Chris Nwaogbo, in collaboration with other police units.
According to security sources, several suspects connected to the abduction were tracked to Ekeremor Local Government Area, which is also the judge’s hometown.
In a surprising turn, some of Justice Omukoro’s relatives reportedly reached out directly to the families of the kidnappers, issuing stern warnings to secure his release.
The Bayelsa State Director of DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, and the Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, told journalists that Justice Omukoro was rescued unharmed and without ransom.
Appearing visibly exhausted, Justice Omukoro recounted his ordeal.
“I was confused in the kidnappers’ den. I was beginning 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 rescued alive,” he said.
He added: “I can’t thank God enough. It will always be an unforgettable experience for me. I thank God I came out unscathed.”
Recalling chilling moments during his captivity, he shared: “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, lauded the combined efforts of the security agencies, judiciary, and the state government in securing Omukoro’s release.
He noted that Justice Mathilda Ayemieye, Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, had been deeply troubled throughout the 12-day ordeal.
Ayah further disclosed: “Three major suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnap, and the police have identified three other key suspects who are still at large.”
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, also highlighted the collaborative work of various agencies that made the rescue possible.
In his remarks, Barr. Clement Kekemeke, State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), praised the judiciary and legal community for their composure during the crisis.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, expressed joy over the judge’s safe return, describing it as a validation of the state government’s investment in security.
“It is a triumph that the security agencies are working harmoniously with the state government. Bayelsa has invested so much in security,” she stated.
She further emphasized: “Despite the attempts by propagandists 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.”
