After spending four days in captivity of gunmen with his driver, Mr Abdul Dogo, a judge of the Federal High Court 2, Akure, has regained his freedom.

Dogo, sources said, was released around 2.00am yesterday.

However, it was not certain whether relatives of the jurist paid any ransom before his release.

Immediately Dogo was kidnapped on Tuesday, his abductors were said to have demanded a N50million ransom as pre-condition for his release.

Dogo was seized on Tuesday evening by hoodlums at Ibilo, Edo State, while returning to Akure from Abuja where he had gone for official duties.

It was learnt that Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Adamu, had deployed head of the IGP Intelligence Response Team, led by Abba Kyari, to Akure over the development.

Besides, men of Ondo and Edo states Police Commands had combed the spot where Dogo was kidnapped in Ibilo but it was not certain if the police made any arrest.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Ondo State, Mr Femi Joseph, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said he was yet to be briefed by Edo State Police Command where the incident happened.

According to him, “since the incident happened in Edo State, the police command in the state is in the best position to confirm the development. We are yet to receive briefing from the command on the matter.”

Ondo State governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, in his reaction yesterday expressed gratitude to God for the release of the judge. He said the abduction of the Federal High Court judge “marked another disturbing moment in the perennial cases of kidnap that have pervaded the country.”

The development, according to him, heightened fears and almost created uncertainty.

He, however, praised what he described as the early measures deployed by Police, DSS and the Army on the heels of the ugly incident, which he said rekindled hopes and confidence.

The governor therefore thanked security agencies for the professional manner they handled the incident without fatalities.

The Nation