A high court judge, Justice E.G. Umokoro, was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, on Saturday evening.
The abduction occurred around 7 p.m. near a popular restaurant in the Ekeki area, situated along Chief Melford Okilo Expressway. The attackers reportedly ambushed the judge’s vehicle, forcibly took him, and abandoned the car at the scene.
Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday.
Police spokesperson Musa Mohammed said tactical units and aerial surveillance tools, including drones, have been deployed to aid in the rescue operation and identify those responsible.
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“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.