‘I didn’t believe I Will Be Here’, Justice Umokoro Declares As He Regains Freedom
Justice E.G. Umokoro, a Bayelsa State High Court Judge, says, ‘I didn’t believe I will be here’ after 12 days in a kidnapper den.
An excited judge says to family and friends moments after his release at state office of DSS on Thursday evening.
The Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Hon. Justice E. G. Umokoro has regained freedom after 12 days in captivity. He was released from kidnappers den without payment of ransome.
The kidnappers has last Saturday demanded sum equivalent of N300 million naira in foreign currency for his release.
The release of the judge followed days of joint Police Tactical operations led by the Commander of of the Operation Puff Adder, CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
It was also gathered that few of the suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction were identified and traced to the Ekeremor area of the state where the abducted Judge hails from.
Some of his relations, according to security sources, reached to families of his abductors and threatened fire and brimestones if he is not released with immediate effect.
But the State Director of the DSS, and the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, announced on Thursday night that the abducted Judge was released without ransome and rescued unhurt.
The released State High Court Judge, Hon. Justice E.G.Umokoro, who looked tired, expressed appreciation to everyone that participated in his rescue efforts, describing the last 12 days as “confusing”
He said he was becoming confused in the kidnappers den “I was confused in the kidnappers’ den. I was begining 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 rescue alive.”
“I can’t thank God enough. It will always be an unforgettable experience for me. I thank God I came out in scattered.”
“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.”
Speaking at the State headquarters of the DSS, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Daniel Ayah, said the rescue of Justice Umokoro is a collective efforts of the security agencies, the judiciary and the state government.
Justice Ayah pointed out that the Chief Judge of the state was disturbed with the 12 days kidnapping drama of Justice Umokoro.
He confirmed that that three major suspects were arrested in connection to the judge 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 are bounded together towards the rescue of the abducted judge.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yenagoa Branch, Barr. Clement Kekemeke, commended the men of the judiciary and the bar for their calmness and composure during the 12 days abduction of the judge,” we embarked on court boycott and down tools. Everyone played their roles and it tells us that in time of trouble, we should be united.”
A source within the state Police Command also disclosed that four key suspects have been identified over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of Justice Umukoro.
Bayelsa State Commissioner of Information, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai expressed joy at the release of the abducted judge, saying the safe release of the judge has vindicated the state government and affirmed the state as a safe haven.
She pointed out that despite the attempts by propagandist to rubbish the efforts of the state government in terms of investment in security, the security agencies rose up to the occasion by ensuring that he was rescued unhurt.
“It is a triumph that the security agencies are working harmoniously with the state government. Bayelsa has invested so much in security.
