Terror on the Expressway: Bayelsa High Court Judge Abducted by Masked Gunmen in Daring Nighttime Raid

In a chilling escalation of insecurity in Bayelsa State, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the State High Court was brazenly abducted by gunmen on Saturday evening in the heart of Yenagoa, the state capital.

Eyewitnesses report that the attackers, dressed entirely in black and wielding sophisticated weapons, stormed the Ekeki axis of Chief Melford Okilo Expressway around 7:00 p.m. in a white Hilux van. The judge was reportedly accosted just outside a popular eatery, moments before being forcefully dragged into the waiting vehicle by the hooded assailants.

The abduction, captured in a disturbing video seen by SaharaReporters, shows Justice Omukoro struggling against his captors before being overwhelmed and whisked away. The footage has sparked outrage and deep concern among legal professionals and civil society groups across the state.

The motive behind the abduction remains unclear, but the incident has stirred fresh fears following a similar recent invasion by unidentified men at the residence of Oyins Egrenbido, a broadcast journalist and Business Manager of Silverbird Communications. Both incidents share chilling similarities — masked operatives, unmarked vehicles, and complete operational silence.

As of press time, the Bayelsa State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the abduction. The silence from security agencies has only fueled speculation and public anxiety, particularly given the sensitive status of the victim and the brazen nature of the attack.

Legal practitioners across the region are calling for immediate action, with some warning that continued attacks on judicial officers could further erode public trust in the justice system and embolden criminal networks.

“This is not just a crime against an individual; it’s a direct assault on the judiciary and a slap in the face of justice,” said a senior magistrate who spoke on condition of anonymity.

As investigations unfold, citizens and stakeholders await urgent updates and decisive action to ensure the safe return of Justice Omukoro — and to restore confidence in Bayelsa’s fragile security apparatus.