Kebbi State High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Bunza, abducted a week ago has been released by his abductors.
The Kebbi State Police Command on Monday confirmed the release of Bunza, who was abducted from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area on July 26, 2026, earlier in the day.
His release had been confirmed by his family and the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice, the command said.
In a press statement on Monday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said although the kidnappers had demanded a ransom, the command maintained its position against ransom payments.
“With the judge now released, the police and other security agencies have stepped up investigative efforts to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
We ask for the public’s help to provide useful information in this respect. All information provided will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality,” it partly read.
The command appreciated members of the public and other security agencies for their cooperation during the period of the judge’s captivity, assuring residents of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property in all parts of Kebbi State.
A family member confirmed the development to our correspondent on Monday, saying the judge returned home safe a few hours before this report was filed.
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“We are overjoyed and thankful to Almighty God for returning our own home safely. He was released today and has come home after spending one week in captivity,” the family member said.
The source said the family was overcome with relief and thanked everyone who supported them during the ordeal.
“We sincerely appreciate the Kebbi State Judiciary, the security agencies, the state government, friends and good people of Kebbi State who stood by us with prayers, messages of encouragement and different forms of support.
“Your support and solidarity sustained us in this difficult time and we are still very grateful,” he said.
But the family refused to discuss the circumstances of the judge’s release.
“Details of how he got his freedom back will be made public later. For the moment, we’re just thankful he’s back home safe,” the source added.
Recall that Justice Bunza was abducted last week by suspected bandits in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, an incident that elicited widespread condemnation and heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the state.
His abduction has triggered calls from the judiciary, legal practitioners and residents for increased efforts to ensure his safe release.
The incident also highlighted rising fears over assaults against high-profile figures in some parts of Northwest Nigeria, where armed banditry and abductions for ransom have continued to pose a serious security problem despite ongoing military operations.
Bunza’s release is expected to bring relief to the judiciary, his family and the residents of Kebbi State who had anxiously waited for news of his safe return.
