The dramatic kidnapping of Bayelsa High Court Judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, from an eatery in Yenagoa has taken a new turn, Thursday, July 24, 2025
Eight suspects six men and two women were paraded by Bayelsa Police Commissioner Francis Idu and DSS Director Adedapo Amao in Yenagoa, revealing chilling details about the abduction and their criminal operation.
The suspects, now held in DSS custody, confessed to abducting the judge and moving him to a neighbouring state.
The Kidnapping Plot: From Delta to Bayelsa
Justice Brodrick, a key suspect and an indigene of Ozobo community in Delta State, narrated how the kidnapping was orchestrated.
He admitted receiving a call from a mysterious ‘boss’ on June 21, instructing him to come to Yenagoa to participate in the criminal mission.
Brodrick said he also reached out to accomplices, including his younger brother Kelvin Olu and John Uzi, mobilizing a crew to execute the task.
Upon arriving in Bayelsa, they were equipped with uniforms and a vehicle, preparing for the operation.
They initially patrolled without a fixed target.
Fortune intervened when they encountered Justice Omukoro at Kilimanjaro Eatery in the Ekeki area.
The suspects quickly approached and abducted him on the spot, transporting him to their camp.
Unaware of Their Victim’s Identity at First
The kidnappers admitted ignorance of the judge’s status during the abduction.
It was only after Justice Omukoro disclosed he hailed from Ekeremor Local Government Area and identified as Ijaw that the group recalibrated their treatment.
Their leader, referred to as ‘General,’ insisted the judge be handcuffed but treated with a certain dignity, respecting his ethnic identity.
This admission exposes disturbing complexities within the gang’s psyche—balancing criminality with ethnic loyalties.
Details from other Suspects: Roles and Presence
Another suspect, John, claimed he did not partake in the actual kidnapping due to ill health but confirmed his presence at the camp where the judge was held.
This hints at a broader network involved, including those providing logistical support or shelter.
Security Forces Celebrate Successful Arrests but Leader Still at Large
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri confirmed at a State Executive Council meeting that authorities had apprehended all suspects except the gang leader.
People applauded security agencies, including the Nigerian Police and DSS, for their swift and coordinated efforts.
Commissioner Idu attributed the arrests to effective collaboration between agencies and commended Governor Diri for logistical support.
The deployment of CCTV cameras in strategic locations and the use of advanced technology played a vital role in tracking and capturing suspects.
A Message to Criminals: Bayelsa No Longer a Safe Haven
Police Commissioner Idu issued grave warnings to other criminals contemplating operations in Bayelsa.
He emphasized the state’s enhanced security posture under Governor Diri’s administration, reflecting zero tolerance for criminality.
“The arrest of these suspects is a testament to the security governance strategy of His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri,” Idu declared.
“Bayelsa is no longer safe for criminals.”
Critical Reflection: The High-Profile Kidnapping’s Broader Implications
Justice Omukoro’s kidnapping shocked the nation.
A respected judicial officer seized in broad daylight at a public venue raises profound questions about security lapses in Bayelsa’s capital city.
The fact that the suspects moved him to a neighbouring state also underscores regional complexities in combating kidnapping rings.
The gang’s initial ignorance of the victim’s identity highlights the indiscriminate nature of violence and criminality.
Moreover, their decision to show “respect” based on ethnicity hints at entrenched ethnic dynamics influencing even unlawful conduct, complicating the justice and security landscape.
Public Outcry and Judicial Community’s Response
The kidnapping prompted massive public outcry and a stern response from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which staged solidarity protests and declared court boycotts in Bayelsa jurisdictions.
The NBA decried the attack as a direct threat to the rule of law and judicial independence.
Law enforcement hailed Justice Omukoro’s release after 12 days of captivity without ransom payment as a significant victory.
However, the trauma endured reflects lingering dangers faced by judicial officers and public servants.
Governance and Security Reforms under Scrutiny
Governor Douye Diri’s government has praised efforts to improve security by investing in technology such as drones and CCTV installations.
Yet, critics argue that the kidnapping exposes gaps requiring urgent attention.
Questions linger about how such a brazen attack unfolded in proximity to police stations and public spaces.
The persistence of criminal networks and the elusive gang leader remain critical concerns.
A City on Alert, Justice on Trial
The suspects’ testimony exposes the organized.
Calculated nature of the kidnapping and the uneasy reliance on ethnic identity within criminal groups.
The ongoing manhunt for the gang leader signifies unfinished business.
For now, the coordinated efforts of security agencies signal hope, but the incident stands as a stark warning.
The fight against kidnapping demands relentless vigilance, systemic reform, and community resilience.
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