By Augustine Martha Kwaada, Abuja
kebbi judge’s abductors demand ₦200m ransom as security agencies mount rescue mission
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that the abductors of a High Court Judge, Justice Faruk Bunza, have made contact with his family and demanded a ransom of ₦200 million for his release.
Justice Bunza was kidnapped in the early hours of Sunday when armed men invaded his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of the state at about 1:40 a.m., shortly after he returned from Sokoto State.
Speaking with journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadeja, said security agencies are deploying all available resources, intelligence capabilities and operational strategies to ensure the safe rescue of the judge.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and patient, noting that kidnapping cases require careful planning, intelligence gathering and coordinated efforts to avoid jeopardising rescue operations.
The police commissioner also highlighted the success recorded in the investigation into the October 31, 2025 abduction of the Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Smaila Bagudo.
He said sustained investigations led to the killing of the suspected gang leader and the arrest of another suspect, Ibrahim Abubakar, who were linked to the kidnapping operation.
According to Hadeja, the deputy speaker identified the neutralised suspect as the leader of the criminal group responsible for his abduction.
He assured the people of Kebbi State that security agencies remain committed to rescuing Justice Bunza and ensuring that those behind the crime are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, Governor Umar Namadi has unveiled a six-year development plan aimed at driving sustainable growth, improving infrastructure and boosting socio-economic development across the state.
