Police Vow to Rescue Abducted Bayelsa Judge, Deny Involvement of Officers
By IDNN Legal and Security Affairs Desk
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State — The Bayelsa State Police Command has pledged to deploy all necessary resources to secure the safe return of Justice E.G. Umokoro, a sitting High Court Judge who was abducted Saturday evening by gunmen allegedly disguised in police uniforms.
The dramatic kidnapping occurred near Ekeki Motor Park, adjacent to the popular Kilimanjaro Eatery, where Justice Umokoro had stopped to make a quick purchase while accompanied by his two daughters. Eyewitnesses said the masked assailants, dressed in black combat gear, fired gunshots into the air before dragging the judge into their vehicle and fleeing the scene.
Police: They Weren’t Our Men
In a statement issued Sunday, Bayelsa Commissioner of Police Francis Alonyenu categorically dismissed speculation that the attackers were real officers.
“The individuals who kidnapped Justice Umokoro were not members of the Nigeria Police Force,” Alonyenu stated. “We are currently reviewing digital surveillance footage and working with other agencies to identify and apprehend the culprits.”
He said the Command had already mapped out high-alert zones using crime analytics and assured the public of “decisive law enforcement response.”
State Governor Weighs In
Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri has also ordered all security agencies in the state to activate emergency protocols to locate and rescue the abducted judge. He urged residents to support security operations and remain calm.
“We are mobilising joint intelligence, including technology-based surveillance, to ensure Justice Umokoro returns safely,” a government spokesperson said.
Security Tensions Simmer
The attack has reignited fears about the security situation in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, where impersonation of law enforcement personnel has become an increasingly worrisome tactic by criminal syndicates.
Justice Umokoro presides over Court 7 of the Bayelsa State High Court, a critical arm of the judiciary. His abduction has sparked concern across legal and civil society circles over the growing boldness of criminals targeting the justice system.
Commissioner Alonyenu warned the public not to obstruct rescue operations, stressing that every second counts in the effort to bring the victim home.