The family of abducteduj Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza, has disclosed that it paid N50 million to secure his freedom after eight days in captivity.
Justice Bunza was kidnapped in the early hours of July 26 when armed men invaded his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State. He was released on Monday and has since reunited with his family.
A relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, said the abductors initially demanded N200 million but later reduced the amount to N50 million following prolonged negotiations.
The family source said the judge was receiving medical attention at his residence and recovering from the traumatic experience.
“He needs time to recover from what he went through. We will speak publicly when he is fully recovered. I can, however, confirm that N50 million was paid to secure his release,” the source said.
According to the family, the judge appeared to be in stable condition after regaining his freedom.
Another relative disclosed that the kidnappers, believed to be about five in number, directed the family to deliver the ransom at a location deep inside a forest more than 70 kilometres from Birnin Kebbi.
The source added that shortly before the ransom exchange, the abductors requested five bottles of malt drinks and five bottles of another soft drink, which they reportedly consumed before collecting the money.
The family said it received news of Justice Bunza’s release between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Monday, adding that he was brought home in a commercial vehicle conveying firewood.
Confirming the development, the Kebbi State Police Command said the judge had been safely reunited with his family.
Police spokesperson Bashir Usman said security agencies had intensified efforts to track down those responsible for the abduction and ensure they face justice.
The command appreciated residents and other security agencies for their cooperation during the operation and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.
Despite the family’s disclosure, the police reiterated their opposition to the payment of ransom, maintaining that the command does not support negotiating with kidnappers.
Justice Bunza’s abduction drew widespread condemnation from legal bodies across the country.
The Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a direct attack on the judiciary and the nation’s constitutional democracy, stressing that judicial officers must be protected from intimidation and violence while carrying out their duties.
Similarly, the Africa Judges and Jurists Forum condemned the abduction, describing it as an assault on judicial independence and the rule of law.
The organisation called for stronger security measures to safeguard judges and other judicial officers.
The incident marked the second kidnapping of a serving judge in Nigeria in recent times and has renewed concerns over the growing insecurity confronting judicial officers.
Although Kebbi State has recorded several bandit attacks in recent years, most have been concentrated in communities bordering forests linked to Niger, Zamfara and parts of Sokoto states.
The abduction of Justice Bunza in Bunza Local Government Area, previously not regarded as a major banditry hotspot, has heightened fears over the expanding reach of criminal groups in the state.