Operatives of the Operation Puff Adder of the Bayelsa State Police Command have arrested an alleged key suspect in the June,2025 abduction of the State High Court Judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro.

The suspect, identified as Emizibo Dennis Ogbomnanatu, popularly known as “Ogbono,” is a 41-year-old Indigene of Ndoro in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, who claimed to be a postgraduate student at the Federal University, Otuoke.

According to police sources, the suspect was in possession of the old-model white Hilux, allegedly used in the abduction of a State Judge.

Intelligence gathered from tracking the two mobile phones mistakenly dropped at the crime scene linked the suspect to those already arrested for their alleged involvement in the crime.

It was also reported that operatives of Operation Puff Adder, headed by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, had mounted surveillance on the two properties owned by the alleged suspect at Edepie.

The suspect was reportedly arrested when he visited the property to serve his tenants with quit notices. Sources said he arrived with military escorts, but an armed police team, unaware of his presence, was on the lookout.

The same property was where police recovered the motorcycle belonging to one of the dismissed police officers on the run for his alleged role in the abduction of the judge.

According to a senior police officer, within the State Command, the arrest of “Ogbono” showed that the present leadership of the Bayelsa Police Command, led by CP Daniel Iyamah, will continue to sustain the tempo of increased intelligence-led policing and the peace and security of the residents.

Recall that Justice Omukoro was abducted on June 21 at an eatery in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. He was released after 12 days in captivity.

The police also arrested and paraded eight suspects, including six men and two women, in connection with the case. The State Police Command also announced the prompt dismissal of Sergeant Obrientele Ebiarede, who is still on the run. (The Guardian)

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