The Kebbi judge release has brought relief to the family of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, who returned home safely after spending one week in captivity.
According to Vanguard, a family member confirmed on Monday that the Kebbi State High Court judge regained his freedom and arrived home earlier in the day.
The relative said the family was celebrating and expressed gratitude for the judge’s safe return.
“We are in jubilation and full of gratitude to God for seeing our own return safely from captivity,” the family member said.
“He was just released and has returned home now after spending one week with the bandits.”
The family did not immediately disclose whether security operatives rescued the judge or whether negotiations led to his release.
The relative said further information about the circumstances surrounding his freedom would be made public later.
Details of Kebbi judge release awaited
The Kebbi State Judiciary and security agencies had not issued official statements about the Kebbi judge release at the time of the report.
The absence of an official account means details about the operation, negotiations or conditions that preceded his freedom remain unclear.
The family thanked the judiciary, security agencies and residents who supported them throughout the ordeal.
“We sincerely thank and appreciate the Kebbi State Judiciary, the security agencies, and the entire people of Kebbi State who contributed in different ways,” the relative said.
The family also appreciated those who offered prayers and sent messages of sympathy after news of the abduction emerged.
“Your concern and support gave us strength, and we are grateful for your solidarity,” the family member added.
The relative assured the public that more details would become available after the family had received adequate information.
“Other details of how he was released will be made available later,” the source said.
Abduction triggered widespread concern
Justice Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area after returning from a trip to Sokoto State.
Armed men reportedly entered the residence around midnight and took him away before residents or security personnel could intervene.
The incident prompted widespread concern among members of the judiciary, legal practitioners and residents of Kebbi State.
The Nigerian Bar Association condemned the abduction and described it as an attack on the judiciary and the administration of justice.
The association called on security agencies to deploy every available resource to secure the judge’s immediate and unconditional release.
Other legal and civil society organisations also demanded stronger protection for judicial officers and their families.
Security agencies subsequently launched efforts to locate the judge and bring him home safely.
Family celebrates safe return
The judge’s release ended a difficult week for his relatives and colleagues, who had repeatedly appealed for his safety.
Although the family confirmed that he had returned home, it did not provide information about his physical condition.
It also remains unclear whether any arrests were made in connection with the abduction.
Security agencies are expected to investigate the incident and identify those responsible for taking the judge from his home.
The family’s announcement has nevertheless brought relief to residents and members of the legal community who followed the case.
Attention will now turn to official explanations from the Kebbi State Judiciary and security agencies regarding how Justice Bunza regained his freedom.
