By Tapre Timine, Bayelsa
The Bayelsa State Police Command has taken into custody several suspects linked to the abduction of High Court Judge Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, who was kidnapped in Yenagoa on 21 June and held for almost two weeks.
Governor Douye Diri confirmed the arrests during Wednesday’s State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, stating that all members of the kidnapping ring had been apprehended except for the gang leader, who remains at large. Justice Omukoro was rescued unharmed through a coordinated operation by security agencies with state government backing.
Governor Diri reaffirmed his administration’s uncompromising stance on crime and pledged continued efforts to keep Bayelsa secure. He credited advances in surveillance technology, including drone deployment and CCTV installations in parts of the state capital, with strengthening policing capacity.
“We have significantly improved our crime-fighting approach using technology. In the recent kidnap of a serving judge, we were able to secure his release without harm.
“Security agencies were given the necessary logistics, and in the end, all those involved were arrested, except one still on the run. Bayelsa State maintains zero tolerance for criminal activity,” he stated.
In a separate development, Governor Diri commended Superintendent of Police Sentome Obi for rejecting a $17,000 bribe offered by a suspect in an alleged organ trafficking case. SP Obi, a Bayelsa native, received public recognition for his integrity and professionalism.
“The governor announced a reward of a three-bedroom house and a car and recommended Obi for promotion to the Inspector General of Police, describing his actions as exemplary.
“SP Obi has not only made the state proud, he has enhanced the reputation of the Nigerian Police. I encourage other officers to follow his sterling example,” Diri remarked.
Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police Francis Idu also praised the officer’s dedication and stressed the need for sustained investment in security infrastructure to protect lives and property throughout the state.