The Bayelsa State Police Command has revealed chilling details from the confessions of suspects arrested in connection with the recent abduction of a serving High Court Judge in the state, shedding light on how the operation was carefully planned and executed.
According to Commissioner of Police, Tolani Alausa, a special tactical team apprehended three prime suspects after days of coordinated intelligence gathering and surveillance. The suspects, identified as members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating across the Niger Delta region, are currently in custody and assisting with further investigations.
During interrogation, the suspects admitted to trailing the judge’s movement for over two weeks before launching the operation. They recounted how they ambushed the judge's convoy along the Amassoma-Yenagoa road late last month, using two vehicles to block and forcibly remove the judge from her car at gunpoint.
“The operation was planned at a hideout in Ahoada, Rivers State,” one of the suspects confessed. “We studied her routine. On the day of the kidnap, we intercepted her around 7:00 p.m. and drove her through a bush path to a camp near the Orashi River.”
The suspects further disclosed that the judge was held for five days, blindfolded and shackled, while negotiations for ransom were ongoing. Although the Police have not confirmed if any ransom was paid, Commissioner Alausa praised the swift response of the anti-kidnapping unit, which led to her safe rescue and the arrests.
“We are committed to dismantling all criminal networks threatening peace and security in Bayelsa. No one is above the law, and justice will be served,” CP Alausa stated.
The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Bayelsa State Government, in a statement through the Attorney General, has commended the Police for their professional conduct and assured the judiciary of its unwavering support and protection.