Gunmen kidnap Ondo judge, driver in Edo, demand N50m

A serving judge of a Federal High Court in Akure, Ondo State capital, Justice Abdul Dogo, has been abducted by suspected gunmen, who demanded N50 million ransom before releasing him.

The Guardian learned that Justice Dogo was kidnapped on Tuesday alongside his driver at Ibilo/Isua Akoko axis, a border area between Ondo and Edo states while coming back to Akure from a journey to Abuja.

Though the family of the victims could not be reached at press time, a member of staff of the court and some of the lawyers at the premises of the court confirmed the incident.

According to one of the lawyers, the abductors had contacted the family members and officials of the Federal High Court in Akure and Abuja to demand N50 million for the release of Justice Dogo.

But the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Femi Joseph, said that the judge was not kidnapped in Ondo State but in the area that falls within Edo State.

He said: “Much as we empathise with the family members of the victim, the command wants to make it clear that the incident did not happen anywhere in Ondo State. The incident actually happened in Ibilo, Edo State.

“We are working in tandem with our colleagues in whose jurisdiction this incident happened to ensure that His Lordship is rescued unhurt and also apprehend the perpetrators.

“We appeal to anyone with useful information that could lead to his rescue and the arrest of the culprits not to hesitate to let the police know.”

The PPRO, therefore, urged people of the state to “go about their normal businesses as we are working to ensure that citizens of the state do not only enjoy this ‘ember’ months but also enjoy a peaceful atmosphere throughout the Yuletide.”