Kidnapped Bayelsa Judge, Justice Omukoro, regains freedom
The Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Ebiyerin Omukoro who was kidnapped on Saturday, June 21, has regained freedom.
The judge was reportedly freed yesterday after being held captive for 12 days by his abductors.
Omukoro was abducted by armed gunmen who whisked him away from his car into a white Toyota Hilux in front of an eatery in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa on June 21.
According to reports, the judge who was released on Thursday evening is currently undergoing debriefing by DSS operatives at their Yenagoa headquarters.
The State Director of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, said that the abducted Judge was released unhurt without payment of the N300 million ransome earlier demanded by the kidnappers.
Omokoro, who looked tired, expressed appreciation to everyone that participated in his rescue efforts, describing the last 12 days as “confusing”.
“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.
“I can’t thank God enough.it will always be an unforgettable experience for me. I thank God I came out.
“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,” Omukoro said
Speaking at the State headquarters of the DSS, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, said the rescue of Justice Omokoro is a collective effort of the security agencies, the Judiciary and the state government.
Ayah highlighed that the Chief Judge of the State was disturbed with the 12 day kidnap ordeal, noting that three major suspects were arrested in connection with the judge’s abduction and that the Police has also identified three key suspects who are still at large.
