Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Following the abduction of the High Court Judge, Justice E. G. Umokoro on Saturday, June 21, 2025, the
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has ordered security agencies in the state to rescue him unhurt from his abductors.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, who revealed this in a statement, said the police are working with other security agencies to rescue the jurist.
Idu appealed to the public not to allow the incident to erode their trust in security agencies, stressing that all efforts are on to bring Justice Omukoro back home safely and apprehend his abductors.
The statement read in part, “On Saturday, June 21, 2025, at about 7:45 pm, a disturbing incident occurred at Kilimanjaro Eateries, located opposite the Ekeki Motor Park in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where Hon. Justice E.G. Omukoro was forcibly abducted from his vehicle.
“Public concerns expressed at the mode of dressing of the hoodlums are noted as a necessary guide in our ongoing law enforcement action.
“His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, has equally directed all security agencies to redouble efforts to locate, rescue, and deal decisively with the hoodlums behind the abduction of the Rt Hon. Judge.
“The Bayelsa Police Command is working with other security agencies and reviewing video clips, with different digital footage, related to the event.
“We have well-formatted crime mapping sketches that are aiding ongoing law enforcement efforts in the rescue efforts.
“Guarantees are herewith given that this singular incident should not orchestrate any mistrust between the Bayelsa public and security forces within the state.
“The warm support of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, and the good people of the state have enhanced our capacity and determination to ensure that the Hon. Justice is rescued unhurt.
“Security measures are being upscaled to drive our law-and-order management strategies to find foreclosure to this incident.
“At this point, it is also important to appeal to members of the public to desist from any attempt to obstruct or hinder ongoing measures put in place for the rescue of the Hon. Justice.
“We call on your support and understanding in this regard.”
However, in a show of solidarity, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, has announced a symbolic boycott of the courts and a protest over his kidnapping.
The Chairman of the branch, Somina Johnbull, in a statement, expressed deep concern over the rising insecurity targeting judicial officers.
According to Johnbull, lawyers across the state on Monday, June 23, are expected to converge at the High Court Headquarters in Yenagoa, fully robed in regulation attire, collar and bibs inclusive, in a show of unity and resistance.
He disclosed that protest letters will be formally delivered to the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), demanding urgent and effective action to secure the immediate and safe release of the abducted judge.
The NBA reiterated that the protest is not just symbolic but a necessary action to defend the integrity of the legal profession and ensure that judicial officers can perform their duties without fear or threat.