Bayelsa Police Nab Key Suspect in Decade-Old 2015 Kidnapping of High Court Judge

 In a significant breakthrough, the Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a key suspect linked to the infamous June 2015 abduction of State High Court Judge, Justice Eniyerin Omukoro.

The suspect, apprehended by operatives of the anti-kidnapping squad Operation Puff Adder, was found in possession of an old-model white Hilux van believed to have been used during the daring kidnapping. Police investigations have reportedly established a direct connection between the vehicle and the crime.

Justice Omukoro was abducted on June 21, 2015, from an eatery in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, the state capital. The judge was held hostage for 12 days before his eventual release, an incident that sparked widespread outrage and highlighted security challenges in the region at the time.

Despite initial arrests and parades of several suspects shortly after the release—including eight individuals (six men and two women) who confessed to aspects of the plot—the case appeared to have gone cold over the years, with the mastermind reportedly remaining at large.

Today's arrest marks a renewed push by the police to bring all perpetrators to justice, over a decade after the incident. Sources within the command described the breakthrough as resulting from sustained intelligence-led operations and forensic follow-up on leads from the original investigation.

The Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer is yet to release the suspect's identity or provide further details on potential charges, but confirmed that the individual is in custody and assisting with ongoing interrogations.

This development has been welcomed by legal practitioners and stakeholders in the state judiciary, who view it as a step toward ensuring accountability for attacks on judicial officers and reinforcing public confidence in the justice system.

The 2015 kidnapping remains one of the most high-profile abductions in Bayelsa's recent history, underscoring the vulnerability of prominent figures to criminal elements during that period.

Authorities have assured that the investigation will continue to uncover any additional accomplices and ensure full closure for Justice Omukoro and the judicial community.