Ogona Anita
Justice E. G. Umukoro, the Bayelsa State High Court Judge who was abducted by gunmen has regained freedom after 12 days in captivity.
He was reportedly released from the kidnappers den without payment of ransom.
The kidnappers had last Saturday demanded a sum equivalent of ₦300 million naira in foreign currency for his release.
The release of the judge followed days of joint tactical operations involving the police, DSS and other security agencies of government.
It was also gathered that few of the suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction were identified and traced to the Ekeremor area of the State where the abducted judge hails from.
The State Director of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi and the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, announced on Thursday night, July 3, 2025 that the abducted Judge was released without ransome and was rescued unhurt.
The released State High Court Judge, Hon. Justice E.G.Umukoro, 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 begining 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 alive. I appreciate the Police Commissioner, the Director DSS, and other security agents. Let me appreciate the Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, my Chief Judge in Bayelsa, my fellow Judges, the Bar and everyone who played one role or the other.”
“I prayed to God that if I come out, I will testify to his goodness.”
Speaking at the State Headquarters of the DSS, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Daniel Ayah, said the rescue of Rt.Hon. Justice Umukoro is a collective efforts of the security agencies, the Judiciary and the State Government.
Justice Ayah pointed out that the Chief Judge of the State was disturbed with the 12 days kidnapping drama of Justice Umukoro.
He confirmed that three major suspects were arrested in connection to the judge abduction and that the police has identified three key suspects who are still at large.
The State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu said the joint efforts of the security agencies are bounded together towards the rescue of the abducted judge.
The State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barr. Clement Kekemeke, commended the men of the judiciary and the bar for their calmness and composure during the 12 days abduction of the judge.
“We embarked on court boycott and down tools. Everyone played their roles and it tells us that in time of trouble, we should be united.”
A source within the State Police Command also disclosed that four key suspects have been identified over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of Rt. Hon. Justice Umukoro.
The State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai expressed joy at the release of the abducted judge, saying the safe release of the judge has vindicated the State Government and affirmed the State as a safe haven.
She pointed out that despite the attempts by propagandist 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.
“It is a triumph that the security agencies are working harmoniously with the state government. Bayelsa has invested so much in security”, she said.
