The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, has revealed that security agencies have made progress in locating the hideout of the kidnappers of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, a Bayelsa State High Court judge.
NBA Chairman, Somina Johnbull, who disclosed this on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday described the incident as a blow to the legal community.
He described the incident as a blow to the legal community, stressing that the victim was “one of the most friendly, hard-working, astute, dedicated, fair and independent-minded judges” in the state.
According to Johnbull, “The kidnapping came to us as a rude shock. On Saturday, when it happened, we met with security operatives. By yesterday, there were certain developments based on digital footprints that the security agencies said they had picked up.
“There has not been any contact from the daredevil kidnappers yet. However, we know that there has been progress in terms of rescue efforts. Security agencies have actually made progress in locating where they are,” he said.
Justice Omukoro was abducted by masked gunmen at Kilimanjaro Eatery, opposite Ekeki Park in Yenagoa. He had just returned from a trip to Warri, Delta State, before the incident occurred.
When asked about the proximity of the nearest police station to the scene of the abduction and whether any calls for help were made during the incident, Johnbull said that the location was less than a three-minute walk from the nearest police station.
“The closest police station is less than three minutes away on foot from where the incident happened. Some eyewitnesses thought it was an arrest by security operatives.
“The young man who recorded the viral video said he thought it was police brutality. Nobody actually realised it was a kidnapping. That confusion likely delayed any immediate intervention,” he explained.
The NBA chairman also disclosed that the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Alonyenu Francis Idu, had directed officers to appear only in authorised uniforms to prevent a repeat of the confusion that surrounded the incident.
“There was confusion around the identity of the kidnappers because of their outfit. The Commissioner has now instructed all officers to be properly dressed in their authorised uniforms,” he said.
When asked if the judge was marked or kidnapped by chance, Johnbull cautioned against speculation, stating that security agencies were exploring all possible angles.
“All of these theories are being investigated. We cannot say conclusively if he was marked or targeted. Yenagoa is a relatively peaceful and communal city. It is not strange to see judges drive themselves, especially on weekends,” he said.
“On that day, we understand he had just gone out to get something for his family. This is a huge blow, and it will make all of us more security-conscious. But we are encouraged by the steps being taken by security agencies.”
He said that discussions were ongoing with security operatives to improve the personal safety of judicial officers in the state.
On Monday, the NBA Yenagoa Branch began a symbolic court boycott across Bayelsa State in protest of the abduction.
The move, which included lawyers refraining from court appearances, was described as a “solemn yet powerful demonstration of solidarity” and a call to action for authorities.
Despite reported assurances from the state government, Johnbull said the boycott would continue until further notice.
“No, the court will not be opened today [Tuesday], and I do not foresee us calling off the boycott this week,” he stated.
“However, we are optimistic that this saga will end soon. I do not want to believe he’ll still be in captivity by Thursday that day, he will be 57.”
Johnbull cautioned against speculation, emphasising that the investigation is ongoing.
The branch expressed solidarity with the judge and his family, describing the incident as a direct attack on the judiciary and a grave threat to the rule of law.
Security agencies are exploring all possible angles, including whether the judge was marked or targeted.
