Justice Faruku Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court has regained his freedom after spending one week in the custody of his abductors.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the judge's release on Monday, saying he had reunited with his family after being kidnapped from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area on July 26, 2026.
The command disclosed that the release was confirmed by the judge's family and the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said security agencies had intensified efforts to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
He noted that although the kidnappers had demanded a ransom, the command maintained its policy against the payment of ransom to criminal elements.
"With the judge now released, the police and other security agencies have intensified investigative efforts to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice," the statement said.
The police appealed to members of the public to assist the investigation by providing credible information, assuring that any information received would be handled confidentially.
The command also thanked residents and other security agencies for their support during the period of the judge's captivity, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
A member of Justice Bunza's family also confirmed his release, expressing gratitude that he had returned home safely.
"We are in jubilation and full of gratitude to Almighty God for bringing our own back home safely. He was released today and has returned home after spending one week in captivity," the family source said.
The source appreciated the support received from the Kebbi State Judiciary, security agencies, the state government, friends and residents who stood by the family throughout the ordeal.
"We sincerely appreciate the Kebbi State Judiciary, the security agencies, the state government, friends, and the good people of Kebbi State who stood by us with prayers, messages of encouragement and different forms of support.
"Your concern and solidarity gave us strength during this difficult period, and we remain deeply grateful," the family member added.
However, the family declined to reveal the circumstances surrounding the judge's release.
"Details of how he regained his freedom will be made public later. For now, we are only thankful that he is back home safely," the source said.
Justice Bunza was abducted by suspected bandits at his residence in Bunza Local Government Area, an incident that drew widespread condemnation from members of the judiciary, legal practitioners and residents of the state.
His abduction renewed concerns over the persistent insecurity in parts of Northwest Nigeria, where kidnappings and bandit attacks have continued despite ongoing security operations.
The judge's safe return is expected to bring relief to the judiciary, his family and residents of Kebbi State, many of whom had expressed concern over his prolonged captivity and called for intensified efforts to secure his release.
Leave a Reply