Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court has regained his freedom after spending seven harrowing days in the custody of suspected bandits, ending a week of anxiety that gripped the judiciary, legal community and residents of the state.
The judge returned home safely on Monday, with a family member confirming his release and describing the atmosphere within the family as one of relief, thanksgiving and celebration.
“We are in jubilation and full of gratitude to God for seeing our own return safely from captivity. He was just released and has returned home now after spending one week with the bandits,” the family member said.
Justice Bunza’s abduction had triggered widespread concern across Kebbi State, prompting members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, civil society organisations and concerned Nigerians to demand his immediate and unconditional release while raising fresh concerns over the growing insecurity confronting the country.
Expressing gratitude after the judge’s return, the family thanked the Kebbi State Judiciary, security agencies and the people of the state for their unwavering support, prayers and solidarity throughout the ordeal.
“We sincerely thank and appreciate the Kebbi State Judiciary, the security agencies, and the entire people of Kebbi State who contributed in different ways, offered prayers, and sent messages of sympathy. Your concern and support gave us strength, and we are grateful for your solidarity,” the family member added.
Despite the judge’s safe return, the circumstances surrounding his release remain unclear. The family declined to reveal how he regained his freedom, stating only that further details would be made public at a later time.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation on whether any ransom was paid or whether security operatives played a role in securing the judge’s freedom, leaving lingering questions over the mysterious end to his week-long captivity.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Kebbi State Police Command proved unsuccessful. Calls placed to the command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, did not connect, while a text message sent to him had yet to receive a response at the time of this report.