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FREE AGAIN: Justice Omukoro
Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro who presides over Court 7 at the Bayelsa State High Court, kidnapped on June 21 regained freedom on Thursday.
Omukoro was abducted by armed gunmen who whisked him away from his car into a white Toyota Hilux in front of an eatery in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa on June 21.
The judge was released on Thursday evening and is still being debriefed by Department of State Security (DSS) operatives at their Command headquarters in Yenagoa.
The State Director of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, said on Thursday night that the abducted Judge was released unhurt without payment of the N300 million ransome earlier demanded by the kidnappers.
Omokoro, who looked tired, expressed appreciation to everyone that participated in his rescue efforts, describing the last 12 days as "confusing".
He said he was confused in the kidnappers' den while the ordeal lasted.
“I was confused in the kidnappers' den. I was beginning 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 rescued alive.
"I can't thank God enough.it will always be an unforgettable experience for me. I thank God I came out.
"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," Omukoro said
Speaking at the State headquarters of the DSS, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, said the rescue of Justice Omokoro is a collective effort of the security agencies, the Judiciary and the state government.
Ayah pointed explained that the Chief Judge of the State was disturbed with the 12 day kidnap ordeal.
He said that three major suspects were arrested in connection to the judge’s abduction and that the Police has identified three key suspects who are still at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, said the joint efforts of the security agencies worked together towards the rescue of the abducted judge.
