Kebbi Judge Freed as Family Confirms N50m Ransom Payment

The family of Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza, has confirmed paying a N50 million ransom to secure his release after he spent eight days in the custody of armed bandits.

Justice Bunza was abducted on July 26 when gunmen invaded his residence in Bunza Local Government Area shortly after he returned from Sokoto State. He regained his freedom on Monday and has since reunited with his family.
A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded N200 million but later reduced the amount to N50 million after days of negotiations. The source said the judge is currently receiving care at home to recover from the trauma of the ordeal, confirming that the ransom was eventually paid.
Another relative revealed that the ransom was delivered on Friday at a forest location more than 70 kilometres from Birnin Kebbi. According to the source, the abductors also requested five bottles of malt and five bottles of soft drinks, which they consumed in the presence of those who delivered the money before accepting the ransom.
The family further stated that Justice Bunza was dropped near his residence on Monday morning in a commercial vehicle transporting firewood. They said he appeared to be in good physical condition, adding that there was nothing unusual about his appearance.
The family expressed appreciation to the Kebbi State Government, the judiciary, security agencies and residents for their support, prayers and solidarity throughout the period of his captivity.
Confirming the development, the Kebbi State Police Command said Justice Bunza had safely reunited with his family and assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction. Police spokesperson, CSP Bashir Usman, said investigators had intensified operations to track down the suspects, while reiterating the command’s opposition to the payment of ransom and urging residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
Justice Bunza’s abduction is the second reported kidnapping of a serving judge in Nigeria within the past year, following the abduction of Bayelsa State High Court judge, Justice Ebiyerin Umokoro, in June 2025.