Relief as Abducted Kebbi Judge Regains Freedom

His abductors have released Kebbi State High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Bunza, abducted last week.

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

The command said his family and the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice confirmed his release.

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

“Since the release of the judge, the police and other security agencies have increased investigative efforts to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

We appeal to the public for assistance in this regard by providing useful information. “Any information provided shall be treated with the highest level of confidentiality,” it read in part.

The command appreciated 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 jubilant and full of gratitude to Almighty God for bringing our own back home safely. “He is released today, he came home after spending one week in captivity,” the family member said.

The family was overwhelmed with relief and thanked all who stood by them through the ordeal, the source said.

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“We sincerely appreciate the Kebbi State Judiciary, the security agencies, the state government, friends and the good people of Kebbi State who stood by us with prayers, messages of encouragement and different forms of support.

“We are still very grateful for your support and solidarity that kept us going during this difficult time,” he said.

But the family would not comment on the circumstances surrounding the judge’s release.

‘The details of how he got his freedom will be revealed later. “For now, we’re just thankful he’s back home safe,” the source said.

Last week, Justice Bunza was abducted by suspected bandits in the Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, an incident that drew wide condemnation and heightened concerns over the worsening insecurity situation in the state.

The abduction has triggered demands from the judiciary, legal practitioners and residents for greater efforts towards his safe release.

The incident also highlighted growing fears of attacks on prominent figures in parts of Northwest Nigeria, where armed banditry and abductions for ransom remain a serious security threat despite ongoing military operations.

The release of Bunza is expected to bring relief to the judiciary, his family and residents of Kebbi State, who had anxiously awaited news of his safe return.