How We Kidnapped Bayelsa Judge from Kilimanjaro Eatery – Suspects Confess

Suspects arrested in connection with the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court have confessed to how they carried out the operation. Speaking during a parade by security agencies in Yenagoa on Thursday, one of the suspects, Justice Brodrick, stated, *“We mobilised the vehicle, got the uniforms, and started patrolling. It wasn’t a fixed target. We spotted the judge at Kilimanjaro and kidnapped him from there.”*

The eight suspects—six men and two women—were presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, and the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adedapo Amao. The group is in DSS custody following a joint rescue operation.

Governor Douye Diri had earlier announced that all those involved in the June 21, 2025, abduction had been captured, except for the gang leader.

Brodrick, an indigene of Ozobo community in Delta State, revealed he was recruited by a man he called “my boss” and travelled to Yenagoa along with others after being invited. “He called me on June 21 to come to Yenagoa. He also contacted John Uzi, who is beside me. I called my younger brother, Kelvin Olu, to join us,” he said.

The suspects said they were given uniforms and a vehicle for the job. They found their victim at an eatery in the Ekeki area and took him to a camp in a neighbouring state. Brodrick claimed the group did not set out to target Justice Omukoro specifically but stumbled upon him during the patrol. Upon discovering he was from Ekeremor and also Ijaw, they decided to “treat him well,” despite the gang leader’s order to keep him in handcuffs.

Another suspect, John, admitted being present at the camp but said he did not participate in the abduction due to illness.

Commissioner Idu praised Governor Diri’s leadership in security coordination and credited the DSS with sending a tactical team from Abuja that led to the arrests. He also highlighted the crucial role of CCTV cameras installed across Yenagoa, which helped track the kidnappers and support the successful rescue.

Idu issued a warning to criminal elements in the state, saying the swift arrest and confession of the suspects is proof that Bayelsa is no longer a haven for crime.