Justice E.G. Umokoro, a serving judge of the Bayelsa State High Court, who was kidnapped on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Yenagoa, has finally regained his freedom.
His release was confirmed on Wednesday, July 3, by the Bayelsa State Police Command of the Department of State Services (DSS), although no specific details were provided regarding the conditions surrounding his rescue or release.
IREPORT247NEWS recalls that the judge, who presides over High Court 7 in Bayelsa State, was abducted in a brazen attack that took place around 7:00 p.m. in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, directly in front of a popular eatery along the busy Chief Melford Okilo Expressway. The kidnapping triggered public outrage and heightened fears in a state already dealing with a recent rise in violent crimes.
According to eyewitness reports, Justice Umokoro was ambushed while sitting inside his black Toyota Prado SUV. Four gunmen, masked and dressed in black uniforms, suddenly emerged and attempted to shoot at the judge, narrowly missing their target.
The assailants then blocked his vehicle with an unmarked white Hilux van, forcefully pulled him out, and dragged him into their own van before fleeing the scene at high speed.
Disturbing video footage of the abduction, which later surfaced online, shows Justice Umokoro resisting his attackers as they struggled to push him into the getaway vehicle. Despite his efforts to break free, the assailants overpowered him and drove off, leaving his SUV abandoned at the scene.
The incident sent shockwaves across Bayelsa, especially within legal and political circles, where the safety of judicial officers has become a growing concern. Many have since called on security agencies to intensify efforts in tackling the state’s worsening insecurity.
Although Justice Umokoro is now free, the details of how he was rescued—or whether a ransom was paid—remain unclear as security operatives remain tight-lipped on the matter.