By Bayelsa Crime Reporter
The Bayelsa State Police Command has dismissed one of its personnel, Sergeant Obrientele Ebiarede, for his alleged involvement in the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court.
In a statement issued under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Francis Idu, the Command disclosed that the officer, a native of Foutorugbene in Ekeremor Local Government Area, had been absent from duty for over 30 days and was officially declared a deserter in line with Section 398(1) of the Police Act and Regulations, 2020.
Sergeant Ebiarede is currently at large, but investigations by a police crack team led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo uncovered his alleged role in providing logistical support to the kidnappers. A motorcycle reportedly used by the fugitive officer to aid the criminal gang was recovered during a raid on the residence of one of the key suspects, Emizibo Clement, also known as “Obonor,” in the Edepie area of Yenagoa.
Obonor, who is now in custody, is said to be a landlord whose tenants expressed shock over his alleged involvement in such a high-profile crime.
The Command confirmed that eight suspects—six males and two females—have been arrested in a joint operation involving the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Police’s Operation Puff Adder. They were paraded before newsmen by CP Francis Idu, who assured that efforts to apprehend Sergeant Ebiarede are ongoing.
Signals for his arrest have been dispatched to all state police commands and 17 Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) zones. The police have also ordered the stoppage of his salary through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and the Police Budget Office. Ebiarede, who reportedly draws his salary from the Enugu State Police Command, is also to be evicted from the police barracks.
Justice Omukoro was kidnapped in June 2025 and held captive for 13 days. Though police insist that no ransom was paid, sources say the kidnappers initially demanded ₦300 million in foreign currency.
The police command has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on criminality within the force and vowed that no officer found culpable will be spared, regardless of rank.
