Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court has regained his freedom after spending eight days in the custody of kidnappers who abducted him from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of the state.
The judge was kidnapped on July 26, 2026, shortly after returning from a trip to Sokoto, in an incident that sparked concern within the legal community and across Kebbi State.
Confirming his release on Monday, August 3, 2026, the Kebbi State Police Command said Justice Bunza was freed earlier in the day, with his release verified by both his family and the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed that although the abductors demanded a ransom, the command maintained its long-standing opposition to ransom payments.
“The Kebbi State Police Command wishes to inform the public that Hon. Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza, a Judge of the Kebbi State High Court who was abducted from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area on 26th July 2026, was released earlier today, 3rd August 2026,” Usman said.
He added: “His release has been confirmed by his family and the State Ministry of Justice. Although the kidnappers made a ransom demand, the Command maintains its firm stance against ransom payments.”
The police spokesperson, however, did not disclose whether any ransom was eventually paid before the judge’s release.
Usman said security agencies have intensified efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute those behind the abduction.
“With the Judge now released, Police and other security agencies have intensified investigative efforts to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he stated.
He also appealed to residents to support ongoing investigations by providing credible information that could aid security operatives.
“The Command urges members of the public to provide useful information that could assist in this regard. All information provided will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” the statement added.
