Justice Faruku Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court remains in captivity after his abductors reportedly demanded ₦200 million as ransom for his release.
Speaking to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, disclosed that the demand emerged from intelligence gathered during ongoing rescue efforts.
According to him, the kidnappers established contact with the judge’s family and insisted on a ₦200 million payment before setting him free. He added that the suspects also reached out to a registrar of the High Court in Abuja in connection with negotiations.
Hadejia said security agencies have intensified efforts to rescue the judge, with tactical squads, intelligence officers and other personnel deployed to forests and locations believed to be linked to the kidnappers’ movements.
He noted that additional checkpoints have been established while surveillance across strategic areas has been strengthened to prevent the abductors from relocating their victim.
The police commissioner stressed that the priority remains the safe rescue of Justice Bunza and the arrest of everyone involved in the abduction.
He also appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid the operation, while advising public office holders and other prominent citizens to avoid unnecessary travel at night because of the prevailing security situation.
Justice Bunza was kidnapped from his home in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State during the early hours of July 26 by suspected armed men.
