Gunmen abduct Bayelsa High Court Judge in Yenagoa

A wave of panic gripped Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Saturday evening after a serving judge, Justice E.G. Umokoro of the State High Court, was abducted by armed men.

The incident reportedly occurred around 7:30pm in front of a well-known eatery at the Ekeki area of the city.

Eyewitnesses narrated that the assailants, dressed in black uniforms, initially fired shots at the judge but missed, before blocking his vehicle with an unmarked white Hilux van. In a viral video circulating on social media, Justice Umokoro was seen struggling with his abductors before being forced away. His black Toyota Prado jeep was abandoned at the scene.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Bayelsa, DSP Musa Muhammad, stated via WhatsApp that tactical units and drones had been deployed to track and apprehend the criminals. “The command has deployed Tactical teams and drones to trail and arrest the hoodlums,” he said.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Bayelsa legal community. Justice Umokoro, a respected judicial officer, is known for presiding over sensitive cases, including the sentencing of a man for raping and murdering a five-year-old girl in 2021 and handling several high-profile election petition cases.

It was gathered that the judge was returning from a private outing when the attack happened. The brazen nature of the abduction has further heightened concerns over the rising insecurity in the state, especially the targeting of prominent individuals.

Authorities have assured residents that efforts are underway to rescue the judge and bring the perpetrators to justice.