Abducted Kebbi Judge Freed After One Week In Captivity
Kebbi State High Court judge, Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, has regained his freedom and safely returned home after spending seven days in the hands of abductors. The news of his release has brought relief to the judiciary, his family, and residents across Kebbi State who have been following developments since his abduction last week.
Justice Bunza was reportedly kidnapped from his residence, a development that sparked widespread condemnation from legal bodies, civil society groups, and government officials.
Details Of The Abduction And Release
According to sources close to the family, the judge was taken by gunmen who stormed his home in the late hours of the day. For a week, there was tension and uncertainty over his safety as calls for his immediate release mounted.
As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the circumstances of his release have not been officially disclosed. It remains unclear whether a ransom was paid or if security operatives were involved in securing his freedom.
A family member who confirmed his return said Justice Bunza is in stable condition and is currently resting with his loved ones. “We are grateful to God and to everyone who prayed and supported us during this difficult time. He is back home and doing fine,” the source said.
Judiciary And Government React
The abduction of a sitting judge drew sharp reactions across Nigeria’s legal community. The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and other judicial stakeholders had earlier called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the judge and bring the perpetrators to book. With his safe return, there are renewed calls for improved security for judicial officers across the country. Legal practitioners argue that attacks on judges represent a direct attack on the rule of law and must be treated with urgency.
Government officials in Kebbi State are also expected to issue a formal statement on the incident and measures being taken to prevent a recurrence.
Rising Cases Of Kidnapping In Northern Nigeria
Justice Bunza’s abduction adds to the growing list of kidnapping cases recorded in Northern Nigeria in recent months. From highways to residential areas, criminal gangs have continued to target prominent citizens, including traditional rulers, politicians, and professionals.
Security experts say the targeting of a high court judge signals a troubling trend that could undermine public confidence in the justice system if not urgently addressed.
Residents of Kebbi have, however, expressed relief that the judge was released unharmed. Many took to social media to thank God for his safe return and to call for better protection for public office holders.
While Justice Bunza is back home, the focus is now shifting to investigations. Security agencies are expected to launch a manhunt for the abductors and ensure they are brought to justice. The Kebbi State Government and the Nigeria Police Force have not released an official statement detailing how the release was secured. For now, colleagues at the Kebbi State High Court say they are glad to have one of their own back. Court activities are expected to resume fully for Justice Bunza in the coming days after he takes time to recover.
News of his release has been met with celebration in Bunza LGA and across the state. Many described it as “God’s doing” and thanked security agencies, community leaders, and clerics who held prayers for his release. One resident said: “We were so scared for him. Judges are supposed to be protected because they protect us with the law. We pray this never happens again.“
Protecting Judicial Officers
The incident has reignited debate on the welfare and security of judicial officers in Nigeria. Stakeholders say judges, who handle sensitive cases, are increasingly becoming targets. The NBA has repeatedly called for a special security architecture for the judiciary, including secure housing, escorts, and intelligence support. With Justice Bunza now free, pressure will mount on authorities to not only investigate his case but to roll out concrete measures that protect judges from future attacks .
