High Court judge kidnapped by gunmen in Bayelsa

Tension gripped Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, on Saturday evening following the abduction of High Court Judge, Justice E.G. Umokoro, by unidentified gunmen.

The disturbing incident occurred around 7 p.m. near a popular restaurant in the Ekeki area, along the Chief Melford Okilo Expressway. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers ambushed the judge’s vehicle, forcibly removed him, and then abandoned the car at the scene, escaping with him to an unknown destination.

“Yes, the command has deployed tactical teams and as well as drones, to go after the hoodlums for the possible release of the victim,” Mohammed said.

He also addressed rumours circulating on social media that the abductors disguised themselves as law enforcement officers.

“If somebody is wearing white, it does not mean black is a police uniform. What makes it a police uniform is the accoutrement. These hoodlums were not dressed in police uniforms,” he clarified.

Mohammed added that surveillance footage is under review and investigations are ongoing. “We are still reviewing our cameras, and the analysis is still going on,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.