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The abducted Kebbi State High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Bunza, has regained his freedom after spending one week in the custody of his abductors.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed on Monday that Bunza, who was abducted from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area on July 26, 2026, was released earlier in the day.
The command said his release had been confirmed by both his family and the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, in a press statement on Monday, said although the kidnappers had demanded a ransom, the command maintained its position against ransom payments.
“With the judge now released, the police and other security agencies have intensified investigative efforts to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“We urge members of the public to provide useful information that could assist in this regard. All information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” the statement partly read.
The command commended members of the public and other security agencies for their cooperation during the period of the judge’s captivity, assuring residents of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property across Kebbi State.
A family member confirmed the development to our correspondent on Monday, saying the judge returned home safely a few hours before this report was filed.
“We are in jubilation and full of gratitude to Almighty God for bringing our own back home safely. He was released today and has returned home after spending one week in captivity,” the family member said.
The source said the family was overwhelmed with relief and thanked everyone who supported them throughout the ordeal.
“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.
“Your concern and solidarity gave us strength during this difficult period, and we remain deeply grateful,” he said.
The family, however, declined to disclose the circumstances surrounding the judge’s release.
“Details of how he regained his freedom will be made public later. For now, we are only thankful that he is back home safely,” the source added.
Recall that Justice Bunza was abducted last week by suspected bandits in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, an incident that sparked widespread condemnation and heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in the state.
His abduction prompted calls from members of the judiciary, legal practitioners and residents for intensified efforts to secure his safe release.
The incident also underscored growing concerns over attacks targeting prominent individuals in parts of Northwest Nigeria, where armed banditry and kidnappings for ransom have remained a major security challenge despite ongoing military operations.
Bunza’s release is expected to bring relief to the judiciary, his family and residents of Kebbi State, who had anxiously awaited news of his safe return.
