The family of Justice Faruku Bunza, a judge of the Kebbi State High Court in northwestern Nigeria, has claimed that a ₦50 million ransom was paid to kidnappers before he was released after spending one week in captivity, contradicting the official position of the police.
Justice Bunza regained his freedom on Monday, bringing relief to his family, colleagues and residents of Kebbi State who had anxiously awaited news of his safe return. His release has once again drawn attention to Nigeria’s worsening kidnapping crisis, where criminals continue to target public officials, business leaders and ordinary citizens for ransom.
While announcing the judge’s release, the Kebbi State Police Command maintained that no ransom was paid. The police said security efforts and collaboration with relevant stakeholders contributed to the successful outcome of the operation.
However, members of the judge’s family strongly rejected the police’s account. A close relative disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦200 million but later agreed to accept ₦50 million after several rounds of negotiations. The family also claimed that soft drinks, biscuits and other requested items were delivered before Justice Bunza was finally released.
According to one of the judge’s brothers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the family was overwhelmed with joy after seeing Justice Bunza arrive home around 8 a.m. on Monday. He reportedly arrived in a commercial vehicle and appeared physically healthy despite spending days in the custody of his abductors.
Another family member, Malam Faruku, confirmed that the judge had safely reunited with his loved ones and was in good condition. Soon after news of his release spread, relatives, friends and well-wishers gathered at his residence to celebrate and offer prayers of thanksgiving for his safe return.
The case has reignited public debate over the growing threat of kidnapping across Nigeria. In recent years, criminal gangs have increasingly targeted prominent individuals, government officials, traditional rulers, students and travelers, often demanding huge sums of money for their release. Security experts warn that the continued payment of ransom, although often driven by desperation, may encourage further kidnappings.
Residents of Kebbi State have urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, improve surveillance and strengthen security operations to prevent similar incidents. Many believe stronger coordination between federal and state security institutions is necessary to dismantle kidnapping networks operating across different parts of the country.
The conflicting accounts from the police and the judge’s family have also raised fresh questions about how kidnapping cases are handled and reported. While authorities generally discourage ransom payments and often deny that money changed hands, families frequently insist that negotiations and payments are the only realistic way to save the lives of their loved ones.
For many Nigerians, the release of Justice Bunza is a welcome development, but it also serves as another reminder of the country’s ongoing security challenges. Citizens continue to call for more effective measures to protect lives, restore public confidence and bring those responsible for kidnapping to justice.
