The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested the suspects involved in the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court, with the exception of the gang leader who remains at large.
Governor Douye Diri made the disclosure on Wednesday during the State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Yenagoa. He praised the swift response of the police and other security agencies in ensuring the judge’s release without harm and the arrest of those behind the crime.
Governor Diri used the occasion to honour a gallant police officer, Superintendent of Police Sentome Obi, who rejected a $17,000 bribe offered by a suspect involved in organ harvesting.
Commending the bravery and integrity of SP Obi, Diri stated:
“We have greatly improved our crime-fighting efforts using technology. In the recent kidnap of a serving judge in the state, we were able to get him released unhurt. At the end of the day, all those who committed the crime were apprehended except one, that is still on the run.”
He reiterated the administration’s zero tolerance for crime, warning criminals to steer clear of the state. According to him, Bayelsa’s security architecture has been significantly upgraded with the deployment of drones and installation of CCTV cameras across strategic parts of Yenagoa.
Governor Diri hailed SP Obi, an indigene of Bayelsa, for bringing pride to the Nigerian Police Force and the state through his honesty and dedication.
As a reward for his exemplary conduct, the Governor announced a three-bedroom flat and a car gift to SP Obi, while also recommending him to the Inspector-General of Police for promotion.
“At a time when the Nigerian Police is grappling with image challenges, SP Obi has proven that integrity still exists in the Force. He made Bayelsa proud and lifted the image of the Police. I urge other officers to emulate his shining example,” the Governor said.
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, congratulated the state for producing an officer of SP Obi’s calibre, describing him as one of the finest and most disciplined officers in the command. He also appealed for continued government support in enhancing security and protecting lives and property across the state.
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