‘We Paid ₦50m Ransom, Malt Drinks, Fruit Juice to Secure Kebbi Judge’s Release’ — Family

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

The family of Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza, a Kebbi State High Court judge abducted from his residence in Bunza, Kebbi State, says it paid ₦50 million in ransom, alongside malt drinks and fruit juice, to secure his release from his captors.

The claim, highlights the growing danger faced by judicial officers and other professionals amid Nigeria’s persistent kidnapping crisis.

Justice Bunza was reportedly abducted from his residence by armed men, prompting security agencies to launch efforts to locate and rescue him. Reports subsequently indicated that the kidnappers demanded a substantial ransom from the family.

The reported payment, including cash and requested refreshments, raises difficult questions about the growing normalisation of ransom negotiations as a means of securing victims’ freedom. While such payments can provide immediate relief to families, they can also strengthen the financial incentives driving organised kidnapping.

More fundamentally, the incident exposes the vulnerability of judicial officers, whose responsibilities place them at the centre of Nigeria’s justice system.

The case underscores the urgent need for stronger intelligence-led policing, improved protection for vulnerable officials and decisive action against kidnapping networks operating across the country.