Suspects Detail How Bayelsa Judge Was Kidnapped

Eight suspects involved in the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro have revealed how they carried out the crime, following their parade by security agencies in Yenagoa on Thursday.

The group—comprising six men and two women—is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), which coordinated both the rescue of the judge and the arrest of his abductors.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, confirmed during Wednesday’s state executive council meeting that all those implicated in the abduction, which took place on June 21, 2025, have been apprehended, except the gang’s leader, who remains at large.

How the Crime Was Orchestrated

Justice Brodrick, one of the suspects and a native of Ozobo in Delta State, admitted his involvement. Speaking to journalists, he explained that he was recruited for the operation by a man he described as his boss. Upon arriving in Yenagoa, Brodrick and others were given uniforms and vehicles before they set out.

According to Brodrick, the group had no specific target, but encountered Justice Omukoro outside an eatery in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa. The judge was seized and swiftly taken to a camp in a neighbouring state.

ADVERTISEMENT

Brodrick further revealed that after learning the victim was an Ijaw man from Ekeremor Local Government Area, the group decided to “treat him well.” However, the individual referred to as their “General” insisted Justice Omukoro should remain in handcuffs, despite Brodrick’s appeals for more considerate treatment due to their shared origins.

Detailing the events, Brodrick said, “On June 21, I was called to come to Yenagoa. Another suspect, John Uzi, was also contacted, and I invited my younger brother, Kelvin Olu, to join us. We were provided uniforms and a vehicle. As we patrolled, we didn’t have a specific target until we met the Judge at Kilimanjaro and kidnapped him.”

Another suspect, John, stated he was initially contacted but did not participate in the abduction because of illness. He claimed only to have been present in the camp when Justice Omukoro was brought in.

Security Agencies Laud Operation

Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, praised the collaboration between security agencies, crediting Governor Diri’s security initiatives and logistical support for the success. He noted that a special DSS team was deployed from Abuja for the operation, which resulted in the arrest of all suspects, including two female accomplices.

Idu also highlighted the role of state-installed CCTV cameras, which provided crucial support throughout the rescue and apprehension phases. He issued a warning that Bayelsa is no longer a refuge for criminals, urging those with illegitimate intentions to reconsider, especially as the suspects have confessed to their crimes.

The successful rescue and arrests underline the increasing effectiveness of joint security operations in the state.