By John Moses
Authorities in Bayelsa State have arrested the suspects involved in the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court, who was kidnapped on 21 June in the state capital, Yenagoa.
Governor Douye Diri made the announcement on Wednesday during the State Executive Council meeting at Government House, revealing that all the abductors had been apprehended by the Nigerian Police except for the gang leader, who remains at large.
Justice Omukoro was held captive for 12 days before being rescued in a coordinated operation by security agencies.
Governor Diri, while honouring Superintendent of Police (SP) Sentome Obi for his integrity and service, reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality.
“We have greatly improved our crime-fighting capacity through technology, including the deployment of surveillance drones and CCTV systems across Yenagoa,” Diri said. “In the case of the judge’s kidnapping, swift action and logistics support led to the arrest of the suspects and the safe release of the victim.”
The governor praised Bayelsa’s security forces and highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain peace and safety in the region.
He also commended SP Obi for rejecting a $17,000 bribe offered by a suspect in an organ harvesting case, describing the officer as a beacon of integrity within the Nigerian Police Force.
“In a time when the Police is working to restore public trust, SP Obi’s action has brought honour to both the Force and the state,” Diri stated.
In recognition of his conduct, the governor awarded Obi a three-bedroom bungalow and a new car, and recommended him for promotion to the Inspector General of Police.
Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, lauded SP Obi as one of the finest officers produced by the state and urged increased investment in security infrastructure to protect lives and property.
