The family of Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza, has confirmed paying N50 million ransom to secure his release after he spent eight days in the custody of armed bandits.
Justice Bunza was abducted on July 26 when gunmen stormed his residence in Bunza Local Government Area shortly after he returned from Sokoto State.
He regained his freedom on Monday and has since reunited with his family.
A family member, who spoke anonymously, said the kidnappers initially demanded N200 million but later reduced the amount to N50 million after several days of negotiations.
“We are taking care of him at home because he needs time to recover from the trauma.
“We will speak to the media when he is fully recovered, but I can confirm that N50 million was paid,” the source said.
Another relative disclosed that the ransom was delivered on Friday at a forest location more than 70 kilometres from Birnin Kebbi.
The source also claimed the abductors requested five bottles of malt and five bottles of soft drinks before collecting the ransom, consuming the drinks in the presence of those who delivered the money.
According to the family, the judge was dropped near his residence on Monday morning in a commercial vehicle conveying firewood and appeared to be in good physical condition.
“He is hale and hearty. There is nothing unusual about his physical appearance,” the source added.
The family thanked the Kebbi State Government, the judiciary, security agencies and residents for their support and prayers throughout the judge’s ordeal.
Confirming the release, the Kebbi State Police Command said Justice Bunza had safely reunited with his family and that efforts were ongoing to track down those responsible for the abduction.
Police spokesperson, CSP Bashir Usman, said investigators had intensified operations to arrest the suspects, while reiterating the command’s opposition to the payment of ransom and urging residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
Justtice Bunza’s abduction is the second reported kidnapping of a serving judge in Nigeria within the past year, following the abduction of Bayelsa State High Court judge, Justice Ebiyerin Umokoro.
