The abducted judge of the Bayelsa High Court, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, kidnapped on June 21, has regained his freedom.

Mr Omukoro, who was abducted at an eatery in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, was released on Thursday evening. The judge was later debriefed at the State Security Service command headquarters in Yenagoa.

SSS director Oluwatosin Ajayi and police commissioner Francis Idu said the abducted judge was released unhurt without any ransom payment.

Mr Omukoro, speaking to journalists on the SSS premises, said, “I was confused in the kidnappers’ den. I still cannot come to terms with the fact that I was kidnapped and kept in the forest and exposed to cold. I thank God I was rescued alive.

“I can’t thank God enough. It will always be an unforgettable experience for me. I thank God I came out alive.”

Meanwhile, the president of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, stated that the rescue of Omukoro was a collective effort involving the security agencies, the Judiciary, and the state government.

Mr Ayah noted that the chief judge was seriously disturbed by the incident, adding that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime, while three others were still at large, according to the police.

(NAN)