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Kidnappers holding a Kebbi State High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, have demanded a ransom of ₦200 million for his release, as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue him from captivity.
The Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Umar Muhammad Hadejia, disclosed the development while briefing journalists on Monday in Birnin Kebbi. He said the ransom demand came to light following intelligence gathered after the judge\\\\\\\'s abduction in the early hours of Sunday.
Justice Bunza was reportedly abducted from his residence along Zogirma Road in Bunza Local Government Area by armed men who invaded his home and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
According to the police commissioner, a combined team of security operatives has been deployed to comb forests and suspected escape routes in search of the judge, while strategic checkpoints have been mounted across key locations to block possible exit paths for the kidnappers.
Hadejia expressed optimism that the ongoing operation would lead to the judge\\\\\\\'s safe rescue and the arrest of those behind the abduction.
The police boss also revealed that security operatives recently neutralised a suspected kidnap kingpin, Abdulaziz Dogo, and arrested another suspect, Ibrahim Abdulwahab, both from Ilesha in Kwara State, in connection with the October 2025 abduction of former Kebbi State Deputy Speaker, Muhammad Samaila Bagudo.
He urged residents, particularly public office holders, to avoid late-night travel, noting that such movements increase the risk of attacks by kidnappers and bandits. According to him, the judge\\\\\\\'s family informed the police that Justice Bunza frequently travelled at night despite repeated security advisories.
Hadejia further disclosed that the judge\\\\\\\'s family reported that the abductors had contacted a registrar of the High Court in Abuja to initiate negotiations over the ₦200 million ransom demand, as security agencies continue efforts to secure the judge\\\\\\\'s unconditional release.
