Kidnappers Demand ₦200m Ransom For Abducted Kebbi Judge

Kidnappers who abducted Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court have demanded a ₦200 million ransom for his release, as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the judge.

The Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Umar Muhammad Hadejia, disclosed the development while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, saying intelligence available to the command showed that the abductors had contacted the judge’s family with the ransom demand.

According to Hadejia, the kidnappers also reached out to a registrar of the High Court in Abuja in what appeared to be an attempt to negotiate the payment.

He said the police had launched a coordinated rescue operation, deploying tactical and intelligence officers, alongside other security personnel, to forests and suspected escape routes believed to have been used by the abductors.

The commissioner explained that security had also been strengthened through additional checkpoints and increased surveillance at strategic locations to restrict the kidnappers’ movement and improve the chances of rescuing the judge.

Hadejia expressed optimism that the ongoing operation would secure Justice Bunza’s release and lead to the arrest of those responsible for the abduction.

He appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in the rescue effort, assuring the public that the command was committed to ensuring the judge regained his freedom and that the perpetrators faced justice.

The police commissioner further advised residents, particularly public office holders and other prominent individuals, to avoid unnecessary night journeys, warning that such travel increases the risk of attacks by criminal elements amid the prevailing security situation.