Abducted Kebbi High Court Judge Freed, Reunites With Family

Kebbi State High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Bunza, abducted last week has been released by his abductors.

Earlier on Monday, the Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the release of Bunza, who was abducted from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area on July 26, 2026.

His release was confirmed by his family and the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice, the command said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, in a press statement on Monday, said the kidnappers demanded ransom but the command maintained its position against ransom payment.

“Following the release of the judge, the police and other security agencies have intensified investigative efforts aimed at tracking down the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.

We appeal to the public to provide useful information that may help in this respect. All information provided shall be treated with the highest level of confidentiality,” it partly read.

The command thanked members of the public and other security agencies for their cooperation during the period of the judge’s captivity and assured 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.

“We are overjoyed and thankful to Almighty God for returning our own home safely. “He was released today, has come home after spending one week in captivity,” the family member said.

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The family was overwhelmed with relief and thanked everyone who supported them through the ordeal, the source said.

“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 kept us going during this difficult time and we are still very grateful,” he said.

However, the family declined to comment on the details surrounding the judge’s release.

‘The details of how he regained his freedom will be made public later. For now, we’re just grateful he’s back home safe,” the source said.

Justice Bunza was abducted by suspected bandits last week in the Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, which attracted wide condemnation and increased concerns over the worsening insecurity situation in the state.

His abduction has sparked calls from the judiciary, legal practitioners and residents for greater efforts to secure his safe release.

The incident also underscored growing fears of attacks on prominent figures in parts of Northwest Nigeria, where armed banditry and abductions for ransom remain a serious security concern 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.