Gunmen Kidnap High Court Judge, E.G Umokoro In Bayelsa

A high court judge, Justice E.G. Umokoro, was kidnapped by gunmen on Saturday evening in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.

It was gathered that the abduction took place around 7 p.m. near a well-known restaurant in the Ekeki area, along the Chief Melford Okilo Expressway.

The judge was said to have been ambushed by armed men who forced him out of his vehicle and took him away, leaving his car behind at the scene.

Bayelsa State Police spokesperson, Musa Mohammed, confirmed the incident on Sunday, saying that tactical units and drones have been deployed to track down the kidnappers and secure the judge’s release.

Mohammed also addressed claims circulating on social media that the attackers were dressed as police officers, stating that such reports were false.

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

“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 added that the police are currently analyzing surveillance footage as part of their investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.

KanyiDaily also reported that Aondoakaa Yaiyol, a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, was shot dead by unknown gunmen.