Korede Abdullah 
BIRNIN KEBBI, Nigeria – Kidnappers who abducted Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court have demanded a ₦200 million ransom for his release, as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the judge and apprehend his captors.
The Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Muhammad Hadejia, disclosed the ransom demand while briefing journalists on Monday, saying intelligence gathered by the command showed that the abductors had contacted Justice Bunza’s family and a High Court registrar in Abuja to negotiate payment. The judge was abducted in the early hours of Sunday from his residence along Zogirma Road in Bunza Local Government Area, shortly after returning from Sokoto, when armed men reportedly stormed his home and whisked him away.
“Intelligence available to the command indicated that the abductors contacted the judge’s family and demanded ₦200 million before releasing him,” Hadejia said. He disclosed that tactical and intelligence operatives, supported by other security agencies, had been deployed to comb forests and suspected escape routes believed to have been used by the kidnappers.
The police commissioner said additional checkpoints had been established and surveillance strengthened across strategic locations to prevent the movement of the abductors and facilitate the judge’s safe rescue. He expressed confidence that the ongoing operation would lead to Justice Bunza’s freedom and the arrest of those responsible.
Hadejia appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could support the rescue operation. He also advised public officials and other prominent individuals to avoid unnecessary night travel due to prevailing security threats, reaffirming that the command remained committed to securing Justice Bunza’s release and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
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Abah Felicity 
Oluwatobi Adu 
