Family Confirms ₦50m Paid for Release of Kidnapped Kebbi Judge -

The family of Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza, has confirmed that a ransom of ₦50 million was paid to secure his release after he was abducted by armed bandits.

Justice Bunza was kidnapped in the early hours of July 26, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen stormed his residence in Bunza Local Government Area shortly after he returned from a trip to Sokoto State. The attackers reportedly fired several gunshots before whisking him away on motorcycles.

After spending eight days in captivity, the judge regained his freedom on Monday morning. He was reportedly dropped off near his residence in a commercial vehicle conveying firewood and has since reunited with his family.

A family member disclosed that the abductors initially demanded ₦200 million but later agreed to accept ₦50 million following days of negotiations. The ransom was said to have been delivered at a remote location deep inside a forest, more than 70 kilometres from Birnin Kebbi.

According to another source, the kidnappers made an unusual request before collecting the ransom, asking for bottles of malt and soft drinks, which they consumed on the spot.

Kebbi High Court Judge Regains Freedom After Days in Kidnappers’ Captivity

Kebbi Police Confirm Release of Abducted High Court Judge

Despite the development, the Kebbi State Police Command reiterated its stance against ransom payments, stating that security agencies are intensifying efforts to track down and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

Residents were also urged to provide credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.
Justice Bunza is said to be in stable condition and currently receiving care at home as he recovers from the ordeal.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from legal bodies and civil society groups. The Nigerian Bar Association described the abduction as a serious threat to the judiciary and the rule of law, calling for enhanced protection for judicial officers across the country.

Similarly, the Africa Judges and Jurists Forum condemned the act, noting that attacks on judicial officers undermine constitutional democracy and public confidence in the justice system.

Although Kebbi State has experienced banditry in recent years, particularly in areas bordering forest regions linked to criminal hideouts, the abduction of a sitting judge signals a worrying escalation in the state’s security challenges.