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Bayelsa in Relief as Abducted High Court Judge Finally Regains Freedom
Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Rt. Hon. Justice E.G. Umokoro, has been released after spending 12 days in captivity.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Rt. Hon. Justice E.G. Umokoro of the Bayelsa State High Court has regained his freedom after spending 12 days in the custody of kidnappers. According to the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), the judge was released without the payment of any ransom.
Justice Umokoro was abducted under controversial circumstances from a popular eatery in Yenagoa. His release coincided with the visit of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Afam Osigwe, to Bayelsa. Osigwe had urged greater collaboration between security agencies, the Bar, and the Bench to ensure the judge’s swift release. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of rescue efforts during a closed-door meeting with the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police. Osigwe later met with Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and other key stakeholders.
Unconfirmed reports suggested that the abductors initially demanded a ransom equivalent to N300 million in foreign currency. However, sources revealed that the judge’s release came after several days of coordinated tactical operations by police units led by Commander of Operation Puff Adder, CSP Chris Nwaogbo. Some of the suspects were reportedly traced to the Ekeremor area, where the judge hails from. Security operatives also noted that some of Umokoro’s relatives directly confronted the families of the kidnappers, warning of severe consequences if the judge was not freed.
Bayelsa DSS Director, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and State Police Commissioner, Francis Idu, jointly announced that Justice Umokoro was rescued unharmed and without any ransom being paid.
Appearing visibly exhausted, the judge expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to his release. Describing his ordeal as “confusing,” he said,
“I was confused in the kidnappers’ den. I still couldn’t process how I ended up kidnapped and kept in a cold forest. But I thank God I came out alive—it’s an experience I’ll never forget. The kidnappers even told me I should have fallen critically ill. I promised God I’d testify to His goodness if I survived.”
At a briefing held at the DSS headquarters, Hon. Justice Daniel Ayah, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, said the judge’s rescue was the result of coordinated efforts by security agencies, the judiciary, and the state government. He confirmed that three key suspects had already been arrested, while three others remain at large.
Commissioner of Police Francis Idu praised the synergy between the DSS and the Police in ensuring Justice Umokoro’s safe return. Also speaking, Bayelsa NBA Chairman Clement Kekemeke applauded the restraint and solidarity shown by the legal community throughout the crisis, noting that a court boycott and suspension of legal activities helped draw national attention to the case.
An inside source at the State Police Command added that four principal suspects have now been identified in connection with the abduction and are under investigation.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has officially confirmed that his current deputy, Yakubu Garba, will remain his running mate for the 2027 gubernatorial election. During an announcement at the Government House in Minna, Governor Bago noted that Garba’s name will be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in accordance with constitutional requirements. Addressing recent speculation, the Governor reaffirmed his partnership with Garba, stating, “I have called you to come and witness that my Deputy, Yakubu Garba, is still my running mate in 2027.”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In separate developments, police in Niger State have arrested 38-year-old Hamisu Abdullahi for allegedly attempting to disrupt a public event. Abdullahi was taken into custody during the Governor’s visit to the Emir of Suleja after he reportedly shouted slogans regarding utility shortages. According to police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna on charges related to suspected thuggery and the obstruction of government activities.
Option 2: Concise Summary
Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State has reaffirmed his commitment to his deputy, Yakubu Garba, naming him as his running mate for the 2027 election. The Governor stated that this decision fulfills legal requirements for the upcoming INEC nomination process.
Meanwhile, authorities have apprehended Hamisu Abdullahi, 38, following a disturbance during the Governor’s visit to the Emir of Suleja. Abdullahi, who reportedly shouted “no water, no light,” is currently under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department for suspected thuggery and attempting to disrupt official government proceedings.
Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has rejected claims that the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s policies caused the current economic hardship in Nigeria. During an interview on Arise Television, Sirika asserted that Nigeria’s economy and education sector were in a “good state” and “flourishing” under Buhari’s leadership.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Sirika maintained that Buhari “did extremely well” in managing the economy.
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He argued that it would be unfair to draw comparisons between the state of the country under Buhari and the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.
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While expressing his belief that the nation was better off previously, Sirika stated he would not be drawn into debating the causes of current hardships.
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He declined to criticize the policies or decisions of either the past or current presidents, noting that he is not in a position to fully com
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that the governing body is exploring the possibility of expanding the 2030 World Cup to include 64 teams. This potential shift follows the recent expansion from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament, which increased the match count to 104. Infantino advocates for this change to provide smaller footballing nations with greater opportunities to qualify, arguing that increased representation motivates countries to invest in their local leagues, academies, and national programs. While the proposal remains subject to approval by FIFA’s decision-making bodies, it aims to narrow the competitive gap between traditional powerhouses and emerging teams. The 2030 event, which commemorates the tournament’s centenary, is already unique for being hosted by six countries across three continents: Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
FIFA is considering a massive shake-up for the 2030 World Cup, with President Gianni Infantino hinting at a potential expansion to 64 teams. Building on the success of the 48-team format introduced for 2026, Infantino believes that giving more countries a seat at the table is essential for the global development of the sport. He noted that under the current expanded format, teams from all continents have proven their competitiveness, suggesting that the divide between established nations and newcomers is shrinking. If approved, this 64-team structure would be implemented for a historic tournament already set to span three continents and six host nations to celebrate the competition’s 100th anniversary. FIFA is currently evaluating the logistical and financial implications of such an expansion before making a final decision.
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