Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has confirmed the arrest of the abductors of Bayelsa High Court judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro.
He recently revealed that the culprits have been apprehended by the state command of the Nigerian Police.
Recall that Justice Omukoro was kidnapped on June 21 in Yenagoa and was held for 12 days before he was rescued through the joint effort of security agencies in the state.
Speaking at the state executive council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, Diri disclosed that a Superintendent of Police, Sentome Obi, rejected a $17,000 bribe offered by a suspect involved in organ harvesting.
According to him, everyone involved in the kidnapping had been picked up by the police, except the gang leader, who is still on the run.
He stated that the government has enhanced the state’s security architecture with the acquisition of drones for the police to combat crime.
“We have greatly improved our crime-fighting efforts using technology. In the recent kidnapping of a serving judge in the state, we were able to get him released unhurt.
We summoned the security agencies and gave them the necessary logistics. At the end of the day, all those who committed the crime were apprehended except one, who is still on the run. Bayelsa State has zero tolerance for crime and criminality,” he said.
Applauding Sentome Obi for maintaining his honesty in the face of bribe, Diri hailed the officer’s gallantry and devotion to duty.
He recommended Obi to the Inspector General of Police for promotion in recognition of his brilliant effort in crime fighting.
On behalf of the state government, the Governor announced a three-bedroom flat and a car reward to appreciate his exemplary integrity.
“SP Obi not only made the state proud, but he also bolstered the image of the Nigerian Police, and I urge other officers to emulate his shining example,” he added.
