National News

By Our Correspondent

Fresh details have emerged over the release of abducted Kebbi State High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Bunza, as members of his family have disputed the police’s claim that no ransom was paid to secure his freedom.

The family alleged that they paid ₦50 million, alongside soft drinks, biscuits and other undisclosed items demanded by the kidnappers before the judge was released after spending about one week in captivity.

The Kebbi State Police Command had maintained in a statement that Justice Bunza regained his freedom without the payment of any ransom.

However, a close family member dismissed the police’s account, insisting that negotiations with the abductors led to the payment of ₦50 million before the judge was set free.

A relative of the judge, Malam Faruku, confirmed that Justice Bunza returned home safely and was in good health following his release.

When our correspondent visited Bunza, family members, friends and well-wishers were seen trooping to the judge’s residence to celebrate his safe return and offer prayers for his continued protection.

One of the judge’s brothers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the family first saw Justice Bunza around 8 a.m. on Monday after he alighted from a commercial vehicle, confirming that he had regained his freedom.

According to him, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦200 million but the family negotiated the amount down to ₦50 million before the judge was eventually released.

The incident has again raised concerns over the persistent wave of kidnapping for ransom across parts of the country, with residents calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and protect lives and property.