Justice E.G. Umukoro, a presiding judge of High Court 7 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was abducted by unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Saturday evening, around 7:30 p.m. The incident occurred as Justice Umukoro was attempting to exit the premises of a popular eatery where he had gone to purchase bread. Eyewitnesses reported that gunmen, described as wearing black uniforms, initially approached the judge, demanding he alight from his car to meet their 'oga' in a parked Hilux. Upon his refusal, they reportedly fired a shot which missed, before forcibly dragging him into their vehicle.

In immediate response to the abduction, the Yenagoa branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by its chairman, Somina Johnbull, Esq., declared a symbolic boycott of all courts within Bayelsa State commencing June 23, 2025. The NBA condemned the act in the strongest terms, characterizing it not only as an assault on Justice Umukoro but also as a grave threat to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. Johnbull emphasized the unity of the Bar in defending justice, stating, “An injury to one is an injury to all. Let the Bar speak with one voice. Let the nation know that the judiciary is not alone.” The NBA chairman had earlier met with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, urging prompt and decisive action for the judge's timely release.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, swiftly directed security commanders in the state to ensure the safe release of Justice Umukoro without harm. Governor Diri disclosed on Monday that the kidnappers were caught on CCTV cameras, and investigations are underway to identify them. Speaking during his ongoing local government thank-you tour in Sagbama, the Governor issued a stern warning to criminal elements and their sponsors, asserting there would be no hiding place for them given the state government's significant investment in closed-circuit television cameras and other security apparatus. He highlighted that the moment he was informed, he summoned security commanders and issued directives for the judge's safe return.

Police authorities in Bayelsa State have confirmed they are actively pursuing rescue efforts. Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, stated that the state police command is synergizing efforts with other security agencies, reviewing video clips, and analyzing other digital footage related to the incident. They are utilizing well-formatted crime-mapping sketches to aid law enforcement agencies in the rescue operation. The government has also appealed to the public to refrain from any actions that might obstruct or hinder ongoing rescue efforts, assuring them of sustained security measures.

Justice E.G. Umukoro, widely known in the state as an 'activist' judge, previously served as the Chairman of the NBA, Yenagoa Branch, during which he advocated for various causes. He has presided over several high-profile cases, delivering landmark judgments. Notably, on Friday, June 13, 2025, he ruled against the Bayelsa State Waterboard Authority, ordering them to vacate land unlawfully acquired from a family in Okaka community, Yenagoa, and granted immediate possession to the Fankien compound of Okaka Epie community. In 2021, Justice Umukoro also sentenced a man to 10 years imprisonment for the rape and murder of a 5-year-old child in Akede community in 2016. He has also previously presided over various election disputes in the state.

As of three days following the abduction, the kidnappers have not yet contacted the family for ransom or provided any reasons for their actions. The incident has significantly heightened tension in Yenagoa, a state capital already grappling with cult-related conflicts. Security agencies remain committed, with enhanced measures in place to bolster law enforcement strategies and ensure the judge's safe return, with the full support of the Governor and the people of Bayelsa State.