Police dismiss, declare Sergeant wanted over Judge’s abduction

Story by Susan Mbamah 

Police in Bayelsa State have dismissed Sergeant Obrientele Ebiarede and declared him a deserter for his alleged role in the kidnapping of Bayelsa State High Court Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro.

Ebiarede, a native of Foutorugbene community, was dismissed in accordance with Section 398(1) of the Police Act and Regulations, 2020, after reportedly being absent from duty for over 30 days.

While a joint team from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the State Police’s Operation Puff Adder has arrested eight suspects in connection with the abduction, Sergeant Ebiarede remains at large.

During a raid on the Edepie residence of one of the suspects, Emizibo Clement (also known as “Obonor”), a motorcycle was recovered that was reportedly used by the dismissed officer to provide “logistics to the kidnappers.” Clement, who is in police custody, owns the property where he was arrested. His tenants have expressed disbelief over his alleged involvement in the crime.

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Police sources have confirmed that official signals have been sent to all state commands and the 17 Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) zones to aid in the apprehension of Ebiarede.

The Police High Command has also instructed the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and the Police Budget Office to stop paying his salary. Investigations revealed that Ebiarede has been receiving his salary from the Enugu State Police Command, and he has also been ordered to be ejected from the police barracks.

Justice Omukoro was abducted in June and held for 13 days. While he was eventually released without a ransom being paid, his kidnappers had initially demanded ₦300 million in foreign currency.

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The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, has paraded eight suspects, six men and two women, for their varying roles in the crime.

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