Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, a serving judge at the Bayelsa State High Court, has been freed after 12 days in captivity following a harrowing abduction by masked gunmen in Yenagoa. His release on Thursday marked the end of an agonising ordeal that began on the evening of June 21, 2025, when he was abducted at Kilimanjaro Eatery, located opposite Ekeki Park, shortly after returning from a trip to Warri, Delta State.
In a brief statement following his release, Justice Omukoro described the experience as terrifying, admitting that he was beginning to lose hope during his time in captivity. “I was beginning to give up. I felt like this nightmare was refusing to come to an end. I still couldn’t come to terms with the fact that I had been abducted, kidnapped, kept in the jungle by hoodlums masquerading as security men. But we thank God… God was always there for me,” Omukoro shared with reporters.
Despite his relief, the judge was quick to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of security agencies, the judiciary, and his family. “The synergy between the government, the Bar, and the Bench made the day of my release unforgettable,” he added, expressing deep gratitude to all those involved in his rescue.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, had been closely monitoring the situation, reporting that security agencies had made significant progress in locating the abductors through digital footprints. However, there was no direct communication from the kidnappers throughout the 12-day ordeal.
A Grave Concern for the Judiciary
Eyewitnesses at the scene of the kidnapping initially mistook the masked gunmen for a security operation, adding to the confusion of the moment. The judge’s abduction occurred in close proximity to a police station, raising concerns over the effectiveness of security in the area.
In response to the kidnapping, the NBA declared a state of emergency in the judicial community, calling for a boycott of court activities across Bayelsa State. The association decried the abduction as a direct attack on the judiciary and voiced concerns over the safety of judicial officers across the country. “This attack on Justice Omukoro is an attack on the entire judiciary. We demand immediate action to ensure the safety of our members,” the NBA stated.
In the wake of the incident, a call for stronger protection measures for judges and other judicial officers has echoed across various sectors of the community. The NBA and local legal associations are urging government agencies to implement better security protocols to protect the judiciary from such traumatic incidents.
A Sigh of Relief for Bayelsa
The release of Justice Omukoro brings an end to a tense period that saw public outcry and widespread concern about the safety of citizens, particularly those in public service. The kidnapping, which had become a symbol of insecurity in Bayelsa, now casts a spotlight on the increasing prevalence of abductions in the region.
As of now, authorities have not provided a detailed statement on the circumstances surrounding the release or the exact location where the judge was freed. While investigations continue, it is hoped that the resolution of this case will bring renewed attention to the pressing issue of abductions and their impact on the state’s security landscape.
