Justice Omukoro Regains Freedom As Bayelsa Honors Obi
• We have zero tolerance for crime, Governor Douye Diri declares
By PHC Telegraph
Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court who has been put out of circulation by criminals specialising in the adoption of humans and collection of ransom payments from victims and their families is now free.
The Judge was taken hostage by a gang of kidnappers on June 21, 2025 according to reports.
He was rescued unhurt by a team of crack security operatives who swung into action as soon as news of his sudden disappearance broke.
Details of how Justice Omukoro regained freedom are still hazy but what we know is that he was immobilised by the gang and held captive for 12 days.
We are learning at this time that technological tools, including CCTVs and drones deployed by the Bayelsa State Government may have played strong roles in the effort by security agents to secure the release of the High Court Judge.
Addressing a meeting of the Bayelsa State Executive Council on Wednesday, Senator Douye Diri disclosed that most members of the notorious gang which snatched Justice Omukoro have been apprehended.
The Governor however acknowledged in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, that the ring leader of the kidnapping group was still on the run.
He is quoted as saying while honouring a Superintendent of Police, Sentome Obi, who rejected a bribe of $17,000 from a suspect involved in organ harvesting, “We have greatly improved our crime fighting efforts using technology. In the recent kidnap of a serving judge in the state, we were able to get him released unhurt.”
According to Diri, “We summoned the security agencies and gave them the necessary logistics. At the end of the day, all those who committed the crime were apprehended except one that is still on the run. Bayelsa State has zero tolerance to crime and criminality.”
Turning attention to the exemplary conduct of the Police Superintendent, Governor Diri hailed his gallantry and commitment to duty.
“SP Obi did not only make the state proud”, the Governor narrated, “he also bolstered the image of the Nigerian Police… I urge other officers to emulate his shining example.”
Diri commended the security agencies for their effort in ensuring that Bayelsa State is safe and peaceful.
He disclosed that the officer, who is an indigene of the state, brought dignity and pride to the Force and to the people of Bayelsa.
The Governor recommended Obi for promotion to the Inspector General of Police in recognition of his gallant effort in fighting crime.
Diri announced that a three-bedroom flat and a car has been donated to the officer in recognition of his remarkable attitude to work.
He observed that at a time the Nigerian Police Force is seriously grappling with image issues, Bayelsa has produced a police officer with commendable character who has proved that a good name is better than riches.
In a brief remark, the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Mr. Francis Idu, congratulated the government and the people of the state for producing one of the most dedicated and well-groomed officers in Obi.
He also appealed to the government to invest more in the security sector, saying such a move would help to protect more lives and property.