Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The abductors of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, a judge of the Kebbi State High Court, have demanded a ransom of N200 million for his release, as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the judicial officer from captivity. The development was disclosed on Monday, July 27, 2026, by the Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Umar Muhammad Hadejia, during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, where he provided an update on the investigation and ongoing rescue operation.
Justice Bunza was abducted in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, 2026, from his residence along Zogirma Road in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State. According to a family source, the incident occurred shortly after the judge returned home from a trip to Sokoto State. Gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed his residence and whisked him away after shooting sporadically, though no other occupants of the house were physically harmed.
According to Commissioner Hadejia, the police became aware of the N200 million ransom demand after launching a swift response to the incident. He disclosed that intelligence available to the command indicated that the abductors had established contact with the judge's family and were demanding the huge sum before releasing him. The commissioner further revealed that the kidnappers had also contacted a registrar of the High Court in Abuja as part of efforts to negotiate the ransom.
The police commissioner confirmed that a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel has been deployed to comb forests and suspected escape routes believed to have been used by the kidnappers. He explained that security teams are conducting intensive searches across strategic locations to track the movement of the abductors and prevent them from relocating the victim to another hideout. Multiple checkpoints have also been mounted along major roads and other strategic routes to frustrate any attempt by the kidnappers to flee with the judge.
The brother of the abducted judge, Malami Bunza, also confirmed that he had been contacted by the abductors and they demanded N200 million from the family for his release. "Yes, they contacted me; they asked for N200 million from the family. We don't know what to do now but we believe the authorities and security operatives are doing their duty to secure his release," he told journalists.
The Nigerian Bar Association has strongly condemned the abduction, describing the incident as a direct attack on the judiciary, the administration of justice, and the rule of law. In a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the NBA called for the judge's immediate and unconditional release. "This brazen attack on a serving judicial officer is not only an assault on the person of Justice Bunza but a direct attack on the Nigerian judiciary, the administration of justice, and the rule of law," the association said. The NBA urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the National Security Adviser, and other relevant security agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure Justice Bunza's safe rescue.
A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as a sad development for the judiciary. "Though I'm not authorised to speak formally to the press, this is a painful moment for us. To hear that one of our judges was abducted at his residence is very disturbing," he said. He added that the management of the High Court in Kebbi had already met with heads of security agencies in the state to strategize on securing his immediate release.
Commissioner Hadejia expressed confidence that the ongoing operation would lead to the successful rescue of Justice Bunza and the arrest of those responsible for the crime. He urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation. The commissioner also advised residents, particularly public officials and other prominent individuals, to avoid unnecessary night travel due to prevailing security challenges, noting that such movements often expose travellers to attacks by criminal elements.
The abduction of Justice Bunza has heightened concerns over the growing wave of kidnappings targeting public officials and judicial officers across Nigeria. No group had claimed responsibility for the abduction as of the time of filing this report.
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