Bayelsa Judge Regains Freedom After 12-Day Kidnap Ordeal

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court has been freed after spending 12 harrowing days in captivity. The judge, who appeared visibly exhausted, was presented to journalists on Thursday evening at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Yenagoa.

Authorities confirmed that Justice Omukoro was released without ransom payment following a coordinated security operation. The kidnappers had initially demanded N300 million (or its foreign currency equivalent, but relentless pressure from security forces forced his captors to back down.

Security Operation and intervention: A joint team led by Operation Puff Adder commander Chris Nwaogbo tracked the kidnappers to Ekeremor LGA, the judge’s hometown. Sources revealed that some of Omukoro’s relatives confronted the abductors’ families, issuing stern warnings.

Three suspects have been detained, while three others remain at large.

Speaking after his release, Justice Omukoro described his ordeal as “confusing and terrifying.”

“I was exposed to extreme cold in the forest. The kidnappers even said they expected me to fall critically ill.”

“I prayed fervently and promised to testify if I survived. I thank God I came out unharmed.”

State DSS Director Oluwatosin Ajayi and Police Commissioner Francis Idu confirmed the judge was freed unhurt. President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, praised the collaborative efforts of security agencies and the state government.

Bayelsa NBA Chairman Clement Kekemeke commended the legal community’s solidarity, including a court boycott during the crisis.

Bayelsa Commissioner for Information Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai hailed the rescue as proof of the state’s security investments:

“Despite propaganda, our security architecture worked. Bayelsa remains safe.”