Abducted Justice E. G. Umokoro, a serving Bayelsa High Court Judge, has regained freedom from his abductors.
Justice Umokoro, who spent 12 days in captivity, was freed on Thursday through the intervention of the Bayelsa State Police Command.
His abductors had reportedly demanded N300m in foreign currency before he could be freed. However, following the police intervention, no ransom was eventually paid.
CSP Chris Nwaogbo, Commander of Operation Puff Adder, led a joint Police Tactical Operations team, in the rescue efforts.
It was also gathered that few of the suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction were identified and traced to the Ekeremor area of the State where the abducted Judge hails from.
It was learnt some of the Judge’s relations threatened the families of his abductors.
Bayelsa Director of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi and Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, announced on Thursday night that the abducted Judge was released without ransom and unhurt.
A visibly tired Justice E.G.Umokoro expressed appreciation to everyone that participated in his rescue efforts, describing the last 12 days as “confusing”
According to him: ” I was confused in the kidnappers’ den.I was begining to get confused.I still could not come to terms with the fact that I was kidnapped and kept in the forest and exposed to cold. I thank God I was rescue alive.
“I can’t thank God enough.It will always be an unforgettable experience for me. I thank God I came out.
” The kidnappers told me I should have fallen critically ill. I was subjected to cold. I prayed to God that if I come out, I will testify to his goodness.”
President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Daniel Ayah, said the rescue of Umokoro is a collective effort of the security agencies, the Judiciary and the State Government.
He said three suspects were arrested in connection with the Judge’s abduction and the police have identified three key suspects still at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu said the joint efforts of the security agencies are bounded together towards the rescue of the abducted judge.
The State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barr. Clement Kekemeke, commended the men of the judiciary and the bar for their calmness and composure during the 12 days abduction of the judge.
