.…As Diri Rewards Officer Who Turns Down $17,000 Bribe From Organ Harvester
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Bayelsa State Police Command, after 12 days, has arrested the kidnappers of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, a judge of the Bayelsa State High Court.
Recall that Justice Omukoro was kidnapped on June 21, in Yenagoa and held for 12 days before being rescued through the joint efforts of security agencies in the state.
Governor Douye Diri disclosed the arrests on Wednesday, July 23, during the state executive council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, while honouring Superintendent of Police Sentome Obi, who rejected a $17,000 bribe offered by a suspect involved in organ harvesting.
A statement by Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said everyone involved in the kidnap incident had been apprehended by the police except the gang leader, who remains at large.
Diri restated his warning to criminally minded individuals to steer clear of Bayelsa, stressing his administration’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for crime and criminality.
He said the government had improved security architecture in the state with the acquisition of drones for the police to fight crime, in addition to the installation of CCTV cameras in different parts of the state capital.
According to him“We have greatly improved our crime-fighting efforts using technology. In the recent kidnap of a serving judge in the state, we were able to get him released unhurt.
“We summoned the security agencies and gave them the necessary logistics. At the end of the day, all those who committed the crime were apprehended except one, who is still on the run. Bayelsa State has zero tolerance for crime and criminality.”
Diri lauded the security agencies for their efforts in ensuring that the state was safe and peaceful.
While honouring SP Obi, the Bayelsa governor praised his gallantry, honesty, and devotion to duty.
He said the officer, an indigene of the state, brought dignity and pride to the Nigeria Police Force and Bayelsa.
He recommended Obi to the Inspector General of Police for promotion in recognition of his gallant efforts in crime fighting.
On behalf of the state government, Governor Diri announced a reward of a three-bedroom flat and a car as a mark of honour for Obi’s exemplary integrity.
He said at a time when the Nigerian Police was grappling with image issues, Bayelsa had produced a police officer with commendable character, proving that a good name was better than riches.
According to him, “SP Obi not only made the state proud, he also bolstered the image of the Nigerian Police, and I urge other officers to emulate his shining example.”
In his remarks, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Idu, congratulated the government and people of the state for producing one of the most dedicated and well-groomed officers in Obi.
The police chief reiterated the need for the government to invest more in boosting security towards the protection of lives and property.