Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court has regained his freedom, bringing an end to a week-long ordeal that began when gunmen stormed his residence in the Bunza Local Government Area and whisked him away in the early hours of July 26, 2026. The judge's release was confirmed on Monday, August 3, 2026, by a family member who disclosed that he had arrived home safely a few hours earlier, reuniting with his family after spending about a week in the custody of his abductors. The development has brought immense relief to his family, colleagues, and residents of the state, who had anxiously awaited news of his fate following the brazen attack.
The abduction occurred at approximately 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 26, when suspected bandits invaded the judge's residence along Zogirma Road in Bunza Local Government Area. According to police sources, the gunmen shot sporadically before forcefully taking the judge away, though no other occupants of the house were physically harmed. The Kebbi State Police Command immediately launched a manhunt, with Commissioner of Police, Umar Muhammad Hadejia, confirming that a combined team of security operatives had been deployed to comb forests and suspected escape routes. The abductors reportedly demanded a ransom of N200 million for his release, a demand that heightened concerns over the increasing targeting of judicial officers in the region.
Speaking on behalf of the family, a relative expressed profound gratitude for the judge's safe return. "We are in jubilation and full of gratitude to God for seeing our own return safely from captivity. He was just released and has returned home now after spending one week with the bandits," the family member said. The family also acknowledged the support they received from the Kebbi State Judiciary, security agencies, and residents of the state throughout the ordeal. "We sincerely thank and appreciate the Kebbi State Judiciary, the security agencies, and the entire people of Kebbi State who contributed in different ways, offered prayers, and sent messages of sympathy. Your concern and support gave us strength, and we are grateful for your solidarity," the relative added.
While the family celebrated the judge's release, they remained tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding his freedom. The family source said details of how the judge was released would be made public later, and it was not immediately clear whether a ransom was paid or whether a security operation led to his rescue. As of the time of this report, neither the Kebbi State Judiciary nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the judge's release.
Justice Bunza's abduction last week triggered widespread concern within the legal community and across Kebbi State, with calls for his immediate and unconditional release. The Nigerian Bar Association had strongly condemned the abduction, describing it as a direct attack on the judiciary and the rule of law. The judge's return has now brought an end to days of uncertainty over his safety, and his family is now focused on helping him recover from the traumatic experience.
The abduction of Justice Bunza is part of a troubling pattern of attacks on judicial officers in Nigeria's North-West region, where armed bandits have increasingly targeted public officials for ransom. In recent months, several judges and senior government officials have been abducted, raising concerns about the safety of the judiciary and the ability of the state to protect its citizens. The Kebbi State Police Command had intensified efforts to rescue the judge, deploying tactical teams to comb forests and suspected escape routes, but the circumstances of his release remain unclear.
As Justice Bunza begins his recovery, his family has called for continued prayers and support. The judge's return has been met with widespread relief and joy, with many expressing hope that his ordeal will serve as a wake-up call for authorities to strengthen security measures and protect judicial officers from further attacks. For now, the people of Kebbi State are celebrating the safe return of one of their most respected legal minds, while the broader questions of how he was freed and whether justice will be served against his abductors remain unanswered.
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