By Ubong Usoro & Rafiyat Sadiq
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, has expressed grave concern over the abduction of Justice E. G. Umukoro, a respected High Court judge in Bayelsa State, calling the incident a reflection of the growing insecurity in the state capital.
Speaking on a national broadcast, the Chairman of the NBA Yenagoa Branch, Barrister Somina Johnbull, described the abduction as a targeted and deeply troubling incident, revealing that the kidnappers had fired a gunshot which narrowly missed the judge before taking him away.
John Bull said, “Yes, Justice Umokoro is known as an activist judge. Whether this is as a result of one of his rulings or a chance encounter remains unclear. But right now, our focus is on securing his release alive.”
He confirmed that security agencies are actively working on the case and that actionable intelligence has already traced the kidnappers’ movement.
“They’re no longer a mystery. There are leads about where they came from and where they are now. It’s not just about a rescue; it’s about bringing him back alive, and that takes strategic effort,” he said.
The NBA chairman commended security agencies for their collaboration so far and also acknowledged Arise News and other media outlets for spotlighting the issue and amplifying public pressure for swift action.
Justice Umokoro, whose 57th birthday is just two days away, remains in captivity. The NBA, in response, has initiated a boycott of court sittings across the state until the judge is rescued.
“It would be a sad and painful thing if he remains with his abductors on his birthday. We are hopeful that we will go past this sorry state in the shortest time,” John Bull said.
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Addressing broader concerns, the NBA chairman noted that Yenagoa has in recent times become a hotspot for criminal activities.
He also criticised the lack of structural security for judicial officers, pointing out how common it is for judges in Yenagoa to drive themselves after work due to the communal nature of the city.
“Everybody knows everybody in Yenagoa. It’s not unusual to see judges moving without escorts. This reality makes them even more vulnerable,” he said.
While Justice Umokoro’s recent rulings are under review to assess if any may have triggered the attack, the NBA says it will continue to support the family and press for greater protection of judicial officers across Bayelsa and Nigeria at large.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.