Bayelsa State High Court Judge Released After 12-Day Kidnapping Ordeal

Strategic Insights -

President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, played a pivotal role in securing the release of Rt. Hon. Justice E.G. Umokoro, who was kidnapped for 12 days. The judge was rescued by security agencies without payment of ransom. Osigwe's visit to the State Commissioner of Police and other stakeholders led to a joint operation that ultimately resulted in Umokoro's release.

Key Takeaways:

  • The kidnappers demanded an equivalent of N300 million in foreign currency for the judge's release, but the security agencies were able to rescue him without paying ransom.
  • The release of the judge followed days of joint Police Tactical operations led by the Commander of the Operation Puff Adder, CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
  • The suspected kidnappers were identified and traced to the Ekeremor area of the state, where the judge hails from.
  • Some of the judge's relations threatened fire and brimstones if he was not released with immediate effects, reportedly reaching out to the families of the kidnappers.
  • The State Director of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, announced the judge's release without ransom and rescued unhurt.
  • The judge, Umokoro, expressed appreciation to everyone who participated in his rescue, describing the experience as 'confusing.'
  • Three major suspects were arrested in connection to the judge's abduction, and three key suspects who are still at large have been identified by the police.
  • The Nigerian Bar Association, under the leadership of Clement Kekemeke, commended the men of the judiciary and the bar for their calmness and composure during the 12 days of the judge's abduction.
  • Four key suspects have been identified over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of Judge Umokoro.

Statistics:

  • N300 million: equivalent in foreign currency demanded by the kidnappers for the judge's release.
  • 12 days: the duration of the judge's kidnapping ordeal.
  • 3: number of major suspects arrested in connection to the judge's abduction.
  • 3: number of key suspects still at large, identified by the police.
  • 4: number of key suspects identified over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of Judge Umokoro.

Sources:

  • The Nigeria Police Force
  • Department of State Service (DSS)
  • President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Afam Osigwe
  • State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu
  • State Director of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi
  • The State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Clement Kekemeke
  • A source within the State Police Command