In a shocking development that has rattled Bayelsa State’s security architecture, the Nigeria Police Force has dismissed and declared Sergeant Obrientele Ebiarede wanted over his alleged involvement in the high-profile abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court.
The disgraced officer, who hails from Foutorugbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area—coincidentally the same hometown as the abducted judge—was not only dismissed for gross misconduct but also labelled a deserter by the Bayelsa State Police Command.
According to official police sources, acting under the firm directive of the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, the embattled sergeant was found to have absconded from duty for over 30 days, a direct violation of Section 398(1) of the Police Act and Regulations, 2020. His prolonged absence triggered internal security alerts, eventually leading to his dismissal.
As part of intensified investigations, a joint task force comprising operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Police Operation Puff Adder has apprehended eight suspects in connection with the judge’s abduction. However, Sergeant Ebiarede remains at large, and a manhunt is currently underway to track him down.
Crucial intelligence gathered by Operation Puff Adder, under the leadership of CSP Chris Nwaogbo, led to a high-stakes raid on the residence of one of the suspects, Emizibo Clement, popularly known as Obonor, located in the Edepie suburb. Investigators recovered a motorcycle reportedly used by Sergeant Ebiarede to deliver logistics to the kidnappers—deepening suspicions of his active participation in the criminal operation.
Clement, the property owner of the raided residence, is now in custody. His arrest sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, with stunned tenants expressing disbelief over his alleged role in orchestrating the abduction of a high-ranking judicial officer.
Meanwhile, official police signals have been dispatched to all 36 state commands and the 17 Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) zones, urging nationwide efforts to locate and apprehend the fugitive ex-sergeant. The Police High Command has also issued directives to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and the Police Budget Office to immediately halt further salary disbursements to him.
Further revelations indicate that Ebiarede was previously drawing his salary from the Enugu State Police Command. In response, the authorities have ordered his ejection from the police barracks and flagged his personnel records for disciplinary action.
Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro was abducted in June 2025 and held in a secret location for 13 harrowing days. Although no ransom was ultimately paid for his release, his abductors initially demanded a jaw-dropping ₦300 million in foreign currency. The judge’s eventual freedom came after intense pressure and surveillance from law enforcement agencies.
Commissioner Francis Idu has since paraded the eight arrested suspects—comprising six men and two women—for their varying degrees of complicity in the case. He reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to rooting out criminality, even within its own ranks.
The scandal has ignited public outrage and renewed calls for sweeping reforms within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly as it relates to internal vetting and accountability.
The hunt for Sergeant Obrientele Ebiarede continues.
PIONEER NEWS 