Kidnapped Kogi judge regains freedom

A High Court Judge in Kogi State, Justice Samuel Obayomi, who was kidnapped by three gunmen on Monday, May 25, has been released.

His release came 34 days after he was abducted and taken to the kidnappers’ den.

Obayomi, who is a resident High Court Judge of Ebogogo in the Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, was abducted at about 8.45am on his way to the office by the gunmen who reportedly dressed in black.

During the operation, the judge’s police orderly, Mr. Usman Musa, was shot dead, while the kidnappers drove away the judge in his Toyota Yaris car.

The gang later demanded N150m ransom for the judge’s release.

On Sunday, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Ogunjemilusi, said Obayomi was released on Saturday between 10pm and 11.30pm.

He stated that the judge had been taken to a safe place, but had yet to be released to his family.

The CP declined information on how the judge was released and whether ransom was paid or not.

The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Nasir Ajanah, said, “The kidnapped judge has been released. We thank God.