- Some of the judge’s relations reportedly contacted the families of his abductors and threatened fire and brimstone if he was not released.
An abducted Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, has been released by his captors.
The justice regained his freedom after 12 days in captivity. His release followed days of joint police tactical operations led by the Commander of the Operation Puff Adder, Mr Chris Nwaogbo.
After his release, Omukoro spoke to newsmen on Thursday evening at the Bayelsa State headquarters of the Department of State Security in Yenagoa.
According to reports, the kidnappers had demanded N300 million equivalent in foreign currency as ransom, but he was released without payment of ransom
Some of the suspects involved in the kidnapping were identified and traced to Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State where Omukoro hails from.
Some of the judge’s relations reportedly contacted the families of his abductors and threatened fire and brimstone if he was not released.
State Director of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, and Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, told newsmen that Omukoro was released without ransom and unhurt.
Looking visibly tired, the judge expressed appreciation to everyone that participated in his rescue efforts saying the last 12 days were confusing.
Omukoro stated: “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 unscathed.
“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, Justice Daniel Ayah, said Omukoro’s rescue is a collective effort of the security agencies, the judiciary and the state government.
Ayah pointed out that Bayelsa Chief Judge, Justice Mathilda Ayemieye, was disturbed with the 12-day drama of Omukoro’s kidnapping.
He said that three major suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnap and that the police has identified three other key suspects who are still at large.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, said the joint efforts of the security agencies abounded towards the rescue of the judge
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