A judge of the Federal High Court, Akure, Ondo State, Justice Abdul Dogo, kidnapped last Tuesday at Ibilo town, Edo State, has regained freedom.

It was gathered that the judge was set free on Friday night together with his driver.

Dogo and his driver were kidnapped along Okene-Ibilo- Isua Akoko Expressway and their abductors demanded a ransom of N50m.

A source who confirmed their release to our correspondent did, however, not disclose if a ransom was paid.

The source said, “The judge and his driver have regained their freedom last night (Friday) around 11pm. The judge has been reunited with his family in Abuja but I don’t know whether a ransom was paid or not.”

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has commended the security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the high court judge.

In a statement on Saturday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Mr Ojo Oyewamide, Akeredolu said the abduction of the judge marked another disturbing moment in the perennial cases of kidnap that had pervaded the country.

He said, “The incident undoubtedly heightened fears and almost created uncertainty. But the early measures deployed by the security agencies further rekindled hope and confidence.”

“They (security agents) deserved our collective commendation and encouragement at all times even as every Nigerian has a responsibility to be part of the intelligence gathering process to combat crime and criminality.”