The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, on Thursday undertook a high-level solidarity visit to the Bayelsa Bar and relevant stakeholders in response to the abduction of Hon. Justice Ebiyerin Goodness Omukoro, who had been held captive for 12 harrowing days. Remarkably, news of His Lordship’s release broke later that same evening.
Accompanied by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Sammie Somiari, SAN, and his Executive Assistant, the NBA President was warmly received at the NBA Yenagoa Branch Secretariat by the National Assistant Publicity Secretary, Ebiere Emmanuella Ekpese; Yenagoa Branch Chairman, Mr. Clement B. Kekemeke; Sagbama Branch Chairman, Mr. Ogheneochuko J. Sampson; former national leader, Kelvin Ejelonu; and several other leaders and members of both branches.
In a poignant symbolic gesture, the delegation visited the courtroom of Hon. Justice Omukoro, where the President held an interactive session with elders and leaders of the Bar. Discussions centred on the implications of the abduction and collaborative measures for securing His Lordship’s safe release.
Following this, the delegation proceeded to the Office of the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Daniel A. Ayah, who represented the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, in her absence due to official duties.
At the Bayelsa State Police Command, the NBA delegation was received by the Commissioner of Police, who provided a detailed briefing on the progress of security operations and assured the NBA of a positive outcome. The delegation later met with the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, at the Government House. The Deputy Governor praised the NBA for its proactive engagement and assured the visiting team that all efforts were in top gear to ensure His Lordship’s imminent release.
The NBA President concluded his tour with a compassionate visit to the residence of Hon. Justice Omukoro, where he offered words of encouragement to His Lordship’s wife, daughter, and other family members. He reiterated that the judiciary and the legal community stood firmly with them during this distressing time.
In all his engagements, Mazi Osigwe emphasized one unifying message: “The Bayelsa Bar, the Judiciary, and the family of His Lordship are not alone.”
In what seemed a providential coincidence, later that evening news broke that Hon. Justice Omukoro had regained his freedom. He was seen in good health at a press conference hosted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Yenagoa, marking a triumphant end to the ordeal.
Reacting to the development, NBA Yenagoa Branch Chairman, Mr. C.B. Kekemeke, speaking on behalf of both branches, expressed gratitude to the NBA President for the timely visit, describing it as “fortuitous and reassuring.
The NBA commends the tireless efforts of the Bayelsa State Police Command, the DSS, the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies both within and outside the state. The Association also extends appreciation to the Bayelsa State Government and the courageous Bayelsa Bar for their resolute solidarity and coordinated response during the crisis.
