Kidnappers who abducted a Kebbi State High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, have demanded a ransom of N200 million for his release, as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue him from captivity.
The development was disclosed on Monday by the Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Umar Muhammad Hadejia, during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, where he provided an update on the investigation into the judge’s abduction and the ongoing rescue operation.
Justice Bunza was abducted in the early hours of Sunday from his residence along Zogirma Road in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, sparking widespread concern among members of the judiciary, legal practitioners and residents of the state.
According to Hadejia, the police became aware of the N200 million ransom demand after launching a swift response to the incident.
He said information available to the command indicated that the kidnappers had established contact with the judge’s family and were demanding the huge sum before they would release him.
The commissioner disclosed that the family also informed the police that the abductors contacted a registrar of the High Court in Abuja as part of efforts to negotiate the ransom.
He assured residents that the police and other security agencies were treating the matter with the seriousness it deserved and would continue to pursue every available lead to ensure the judge’s safe return.
Security operatives intensify rescue efforts
Hadejia said the command had deployed a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to comb forests and suspected escape routes believed to have been used by the kidnappers.
He explained that security teams were conducting intensive searches across strategic locations to track the movement of the abductors and prevent them from relocating the victim to another hideout.
The commissioner added that multiple checkpoints had also been mounted along major roads and other strategic routes to frustrate any attempt by the kidnappers to flee with the judge.
He expressed optimism that the ongoing operation would lead to the successful rescue of Justice Bunza and the arrest of those responsible for the crime.
The police commissioner appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with useful information that could assist in tracking down the kidnappers and securing the victim’s release.
He stressed that the command was working closely with other security formations in the state to ensure the abductors were apprehended and brought to justice.
Police record breakthrough in previous kidnap case
While briefing journalists, Hadejia also announced a breakthrough in the investigation into the abduction of former Kebbi State Deputy Speaker, Muhammad Samaila Bagudo, who was kidnapped on October 31, 2025.
According to him, security operatives killed a suspected kidnapper identified as Abdulaziz Dogo during an operation connected with the investigation.
He also confirmed the arrest of another suspect, Ibrahim Abdulwahab, said to be a resident of Ilesha in Kwara State.
The commissioner said investigations were continuing with the aim of arresting other members of the criminal gang and dismantling the network responsible for the kidnapping.
He noted that the latest success reflected the commitment of the police and other security agencies to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
Hadejia added that intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations had continued to yield positive results, expressing confidence that more suspects linked to the criminal syndicate would soon be apprehended.
Commissioner warns against night travel
Hadejia used the occasion to advise residents, especially government officials, judicial officers and other prominent individuals, to avoid travelling late at night.
He warned that travelling during the late hours exposes people to attacks by armed bandits and kidnappers who often exploit reduced traffic and limited security presence on highways.
According to the police commissioner, the judge’s family informed the command that Justice Bunza frequently embarked on night journeys despite repeated security advice discouraging such movements.
He urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Kebbi State Police Command to safeguarding lives and property, expressing confidence that the ongoing rescue operation would end successfully with the safe release of the abducted judge and the prosecution of those behind the incident.
He further assured residents that the command would not relent in its efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other forms of violent crime, noting that protecting lives and property remains the police’s foremost responsibility.
