The family of Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza, has confirmed paying N50 million to secure his release after he spent eight days in captivity.
Justice Bunza was abducted on July 26 after armed men invaded his residence in Bunza Local Government Area shortly after he returned from Sokoto State. He regained his freedom on Monday.
A family member, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to comment publicly, said the kidnappers initially demanded N200 million but later accepted N50 million following days of negotiations.
"We are still attending to him at home since his release. He needs time to recover from the trauma. We will speak publicly when he has fully recovered," the family source said, confirming that the ransom was paid.
The relative thanked the Kebbi State Government, security agencies, the judiciary and residents of the state for their support during the judge's captivity.
Another family member told a Hausa media platform that the kidnappers directed relatives to deliver the ransom at a forest location more than 70 kilometres from Birnin Kebbi. According to the source, the abductors also requested five bottles each of malt drinks and Dudu beverages before collecting the money.
The family said Justice Bunza was released early Monday morning and dropped near his residence in a commercial vehicle transporting firewood. They added that he appeared to be in good health despite the ordeal.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the judge's release and said he had reunited with his family. Police spokesperson Bashir Usman said investigators had intensified efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.
The command, however, reiterated its opposition to ransom payments despite confirming that the kidnappers had demanded money.
Justice Bunza's abduction drew widespread condemnation from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which described the incident as an attack on the judiciary and the rule of law. The association called for stronger security measures to protect judicial officers across the country.
The Africa Judges and Jurists Forum also condemned the kidnapping, warning that attacks on serving judges threaten judicial independence and public confidence in the justice system.
Justice Bunza's abduction is the second kidnapping of a serving judge in Nigeria in recent times, following the abduction of a Bayelsa State High Court judge in 2025. The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in Kebbi State, where bandit attacks have become more frequent in recent years.
