The Bayelsa State Government is set to arraign a key suspect in the June 2025 abduction of Bayelsa High Court Judge, Justice E.G. Omukoro.
The Office of the Attorney-General concluded arrangements to prosecute 39-year-old Ogbonna-Otu Emizibo Dennis, popularly known as “Ogbono.”

Dennis, an indigene of Ekeremor Local Government Area, is expected to appear before Bayelsa State High Court 4 in Yenagoa on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Judicial sources said he will face a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, kidnapping, conspiracy to cause grievous harm and attempted murder.
The case, marked BYHC/YHC/CR/44/2026, will be prosecuted by the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Peretimi Judith Peterside.

Police sources said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, monitored the suspect’s residence for over five months before arresting him.
Investigators said Justice Omukoro identified Dennis during a suspect parade as one of those linked to his abduction.
Police also alleged Dennis supplied the white Hilux vehicle used to block the judge’s car before the kidnapping.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly claimed the Hilux had been returned to its owner, a retired Brigadier General, after completing a driving assignment.
However, investigators said evidence and witness accounts contradicted the claim, alleging the vehicle remained in the suspect’s possession during the kidnapping.
Investigations further linked Dennis to a house along School Road, Edepie, allegedly used as a planning base for the abduction.
The property was also allegedly used to plan the earlier kidnapping of hotel owner Aladei Godsave.

Police recovered a motorcycle from the suspect’s compound during the investigation.
Investigators alleged the motorcycle belonged to dismissed and wanted Police Sergeant Obrientele Ebiarede.
The motorcycle was reportedly used to transport food and other supplies to kidnap victims held at a camp in the Orkaki bush between Bayelsa and Rivers states.
Legal practitioners commended the Bayelsa State Police Command and Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, for the investigation.
They also praised the VCRU for tracking suspects and ensuring those linked to serious crimes face prosecution.

Sources at the Ministry of Justice said investigators recommended invoking Section 7 of the Bayelsa State Kidnapping and Allied Offences Law, 2013.
The provision allows temporary forfeiture of property allegedly connected with kidnapping, pending the outcome of prosecution.
Justice Omukoro was kidnapped by masked gunmen in Yenagoa on June 21, 2025, after his vehicle was intercepted by a white Hilux.

He was held captive for 12 days before regaining freedom unharmed on July 3, 2025.
Police investigations earlier led to the arrest of several suspects, some of whom reportedly confessed to participating in the crime.
If this is intended for publication, I can also �⁠make it more legally cautious by consistently attributing allegations to investigators and prosecutors to avoid prejudicing the ongoing trial.