The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested the suspected kidnappers of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court, who was abducted on June 21 in Yenagoa and held for 12 days before being rescued unhurt.
Governor Douye Diri disclosed the breakthrough on Wednesday during the state’s Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa. He revealed that all members of the kidnap gang had been apprehended except the ringleader, who remains on the run.
Diri, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for crime, warning criminals to steer clear of the state.
“We have greatly improved our crime-fighting efforts using technology. In the recent kidnap of a serving judge, security agencies swung into action with full support from the government. All those who committed the crime were apprehended, except one still on the run. Bayelsa State has zero tolerance for crime and criminality,” Diri said.
The governor attributed the feat to improved security architecture, including the deployment of drones for police operations and installation of CCTV cameras across Yenagoa.
READ ALSO: Gov Diri Lauds Security Agencies As Abducted Bayelsa Judge Regains Freedom
Integrity Rewarded: SP Obi Honoured for Rejecting $17,000 Bribe
During the council meeting, Governor Diri also honoured Superintendent of Police Sentome Obi for rejecting a $17,000 bribe from a suspect linked to organ harvesting.
Commending Obi’s integrity, Diri announced a state reward of a three-bedroom bungalow and a car while recommending him to the Inspector-General of Police for promotion.
“At a time when the police grapple with image issues, SP Obi has proven that a good name is better than riches. His action brings pride to Bayelsa and boosts the image of the Nigerian Police,” the governor stated.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, lauded the officer’s professionalism and urged sustained investment in security infrastructure to protect lives and property.