Following the release of Justice Faruku Bunza of the Kebbi High Court after a week in captivity, his family has challenged official reports regarding his freedom. While the Kebbi State Police Command publicly asserted that no ransom was exchanged for his release, relatives of the judge offer a different account.
A family member stated that the kidnappers initially demanded 200 million Naira. After negotiations, the family agreed to pay 50 million Naira, alongside a supply of soft drinks and biscuits, to secure his return. The judge’s brother recounted seeing him step off a commercial vehicle around 8 a.m. on Monday, confirming his safe arrival back home.
Malam Faruku, a relative, noted that the judge is in good health, leading to a period of celebration and prayers at his residence. This event has renewed public pressure on Nigerian security forces to take stronger action against the recurring wave of kidnapping for ransom in the region.
