Bayelsa Police Sergeant Dismissed, Declared Wanted in High Court Judge Abduction Case

The Bayelsa State Police Command has dismissed a serving police officer, Sergeant Obrientele Ebiarede, over his alleged involvement in the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court. The Command also declared him wanted after he was found to have deserted his post for over 30 days, a violation of Section 398(1) of the Police Act and Regulations, 2020. His dismissal was approved by the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu.

Sergeant Ebiarede, a native of Foutorugbene in Ekeremor Local Government Area—the same community as the abducted judge—has been on the run since the incident. Eight suspects linked to the abduction have so far been arrested in a joint operation involving the Department of State Services (DSS) and the State Police’s Operation Puff Adder.

Investigations led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo revealed that a motorcycle allegedly used by Ebiarede to deliver logistics to the kidnappers was recovered from the residence of one of the suspects, Emizibo Clement, popularly known as “Obonor,” in the Edepie area. Obonor, who is currently in custody, owns the property where he was arrested. His tenants expressed shock upon learning of his alleged role in the crime.

Police sources confirmed that signals have been sent to all state commands and the 17 Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) zones to aid in the apprehension of the fugitive sergeant. The Police High Command has also ordered the halt of his salary via the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and directed the Police Budget Office to cease any further payments. Further disciplinary actions include a directive for his eviction from police barracks. It was also revealed that Ebiarede had been drawing his salary from the Enugu State Police Command.

Justice Omukoro was abducted in June and held captive for 13 days. Although no ransom was ultimately paid, his captors had reportedly demanded N300 million in foreign currency before releasing him. Commissioner Francis Idu has since paraded eight suspects—six men and two women—for their alleged roles in the high-profile abduction.