The suspects arrested in connection with the abduction of a Bayelsa State High Court judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, have confessed to their involvement in the crime, detailing how the operation was carried out.
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Justice Omukoro was abducted on June 21, 2025, at an eatery in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, the state capital. He was reportedly moved to a neighbouring state, where he was held in captivity for several days before being rescued.
Eight suspects including six men and two women—were paraded on Thursday by security agencies in Yenagoa. The operation was led by the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, and the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adedapo Amao. The suspects are currently in DSS custody.
During the parade, one of the suspects, identified as Brodrick, an indigene of Ozobo community in Delta State, narrated how he was invited to Yenagoa by a man he referred to as “General” to participate in the abduction. He said upon arrival, the team was provided with uniforms and a vehicle to carry out the operation.
“We mobilised the vehicle for the movement, and uniforms were provided,” Brodrick said. “We moved from our camp, and it was not a fixed target. We were just patrolling before we met the judge at Kilimanjaro [eatery]. So we approached him and kidnapped him from there to our camp.”
According to him, they were unaware that their victim was a judge until he revealed his identity. He added that when Omukoro disclosed that he was from Ekeremor Local Government Area and of Ijaw origin, they decided to treat him “well,” although the group’s leader insisted he remain in handcuffs.
Another suspect, who identified himself as John, said he was contacted to join the operation but declined due to illness. He claimed he was at the camp when Justice Omukoro was brought in.
Governor Douye Diri, during a State Executive Council meeting, confirmed that all suspects involved in the abduction had been apprehended, except for the gang leader who remains at large.
Commissioner of Police Francis Idu hailed the collaborative efforts that led to the successful rescue and arrest, noting that the DSS deployed a special team from Abuja. He also acknowledged the critical role of CCTV surveillance cameras installed across Yenagoa by the state government.
“This arrest is a clear indication of the robust security framework under Governor Diri,” Idu said. “The state is no longer safe for criminals. Let this be a warning to those with evil plans.”
He commended Governor Diri for providing logistical support to the security agencies, which he said was crucial to the operation’s success.
Justice Omukoro was rescued on July 3, twelve days after his abduction.
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