The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Francis Idu, has said the command is working with other security agencies and utilizing crime-mapping sketches to rescue the abducted State High Court Judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro.
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The abduction of the judge on Saturday night has sparked widespread concern, with residents urging authorities to ensure his swift and safe release.
In a statement issued yesterday in Yenagoa, CP Idu said the police had launched a full investigation and were reviewing video clips and digital footage to identify the perpetrators.
The statement read:
“On the 21st of June, 2025, at about 7:45 p.m., a disturbing incident occurred at Kilimanjaro Eateries, located opposite the Ekeki Motor Park in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where Hon. Justice E.G. Umokoro was forcefully abducted from his vehicle.
“Public concerns regarding the appearance and mode of dressing of the hoodlums have been noted and are serving as valuable input in our ongoing law enforcement operations.
“His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, has directed all security agencies to redouble their efforts to locate and rescue the abducted judge and deal decisively with the perpetrators.
“The Bayelsa Police Command is collaborating with other security agencies and reviewing all available video clips and digital evidence related to the incident.
“We have developed detailed crime-mapping sketches that are aiding our ongoing efforts in the rescue operation.
“We assure the public that this unfortunate incident should not undermine the trust between the people of Bayelsa State and the security forces operating within the state.
“The unwavering support of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, and the good people of Bayelsa State has enhanced our capacity and determination to ensure that Hon. Justice Umokoro is rescued unharmed.
“Security measures are being intensified to support our law and order strategies and bring this matter to a successful resolution.
“At this point, we appeal to members of the public to refrain from any actions that could obstruct or hinder the ongoing rescue efforts.
“We call for your continued support and understanding in this regard. Please.”
A source said, “He was eventually forced into their white Hilux van and whisked away unchallenged.”
It was, however, learned that the kidnappers left behind the judge’s mobile phone and another device believed to belong to one of them at the scene of the abduction.
A source told this reporter on Sunday that the phones, which fell during the struggle, have been handed over to the police in Yenagoa.
A resident, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said:
“We initially thought the gunmen were either police officers or operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), but the weapons they carried were not standard issue for the secret service, and their uniforms didn’t have any police markings. They wore black combat gear with bulletproof vests.
“It wasn’t until the real police arrived that we suspected foul play and realized they were kidnappers.”
A police source at the Ekeki Divisional Headquarters also confirmed that a passerby picked up the phones—including that of the judge—which were later handed over to the police.
Justice Omukoro, a former State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), is known for frequently driving himself around town without security details when off duty.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Musa Mohammed, confirmed that a discreet investigation into the matter has commenced.
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