Abductors of a judge of the Bayelsa State High Court, Ebiyerin Omukoro, have been arrested by the operatives of the state police command.

Governor Douye Diri disclosed the arrest on Wednesday during the state executive council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, while honouring Superintendent of Police Sentome Obi, who had rejected a $17,000 bribe offered by a suspect.

Mr Omukoro was kidnapped on June 21 in Yenagoa and was held in captivity for 12 days before he was rescued through the joint effort of security agencies in Bayelsa.

The governor said everyone involved in the kidnapping had been picked up by the police except the gang leader, who was on the run.

Mr Diri restated his warning to criminally-minded individuals to steer clear of Bayelsa and stressed his administration’s commitment to its zero-tolerance policy for crime and criminality.

He stated that the government had enhanced the state’s security architecture with the acquisition of drones for the police to combat crime, in addition to the installation of CCTV cameras in various parts of the state capital.

“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 has zero tolerance for crime and criminality,” he said.

Mr Diri commended the security agencies for their efforts in ensuring the state’s safety and peace.

While honouring SP Obi, the Bayelsa governor praised his gallantry, honesty, and devotion to duty.

He said the officer, who is an indigene of the state, brought dignity and pride to the force and Bayelsa.

The governor recommended Mr Obi to the Inspector General of Police for promotion in recognition of his efforts in fighting crimes.

Mr Diri announced a reward of a three-bedroom flat and a car as a mark of honour for his exemplary integrity.

He said that at a time the Nigerian Police was grappling with image issues, Bayelsa had produced an officer with commendable character and proved that a good name was better than riches.

In his remarks, Francis Idu, Bayelsa police commissioner, congratulated the government and people of the state for producing one of the most dedicated and well-groomed officers in Mr Obi.

The police chief stressed the need for the government to invest more in boosting security.

(NAN)