Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court has regained his freedom after spending eight days in the custody of kidnappers, with his family recounting how he returned home on Monday.
The judge was abducted in the early hours of Sunday, 26 July 2026, from his residence along Zogirma Road shortly after returning from a trip to Sokoto. Following the abduction, his captors reportedly demanded a ransom of N200 million.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP in a telephone interview on Monday evening, the judge’s younger brother, Malam Shehu Yusuf, said Justice Bunza was released in the early hours of Monday and arrived at his residence in Bunza, Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, at about 8 a.m. in a commercial vehicle.
“We saw him come out of a commercial vehicle and walk straight to his house in Bunza,” Yusuf said.
He said relatives, neighbours and well-wishers gathered at the residence to welcome the judge following his return.
According to Yusuf, while Justice Bunza was exchanging pleasantries with family members and visitors, security personnel arrived and took him to a hospital for medical evaluation.
“They told us they would bring him back home in the evening, but we are still waiting for his return,” he said.
Responding to questions on whether the family paid a ransom, Yusuf maintained that no payment was made by the family to secure his brother’s release.
However, unconfirmed reports claimed that N50 million was paid to the abductors before the judge was freed.
Yusuf said the judge appeared to be in good health and was able to recognise and identify those who came to welcome him after his release.
He also commended what he described as the efforts of “unsung heroes” who played key roles in securing the judge’s freedom.
Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Police Command has vowed to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.
The command’s spokesman, Bashir Usman, stated this in a statement issued shortly after the judge regained his freedom, assuring residents that efforts were underway to track down those behind the abduction.
