The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the abduction of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court, describing the incident as a grave assault on the judiciary, the administration of justice, and the rule of law.
Justice Bunza was abducted by suspected armed bandits from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State late Sunday, shortly after returning from Sokoto State.
In a statement, NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) denounced the attack, saying it reflected the growing audacity of criminal elements targeting institutions and officials responsible for upholding justice.
“The abduction of Honourable Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza is not only an attack on a serving judicial officer but also a direct assault on the Nigerian judiciary, the administration of justice, and the rule of law,” the statement read.
The association warned that such attacks threaten public confidence in the justice system and called on security agencies to act without delay to secure the judge’s unconditional release.
Specifically, the NBA urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Security Adviser, and other relevant security agencies to deploy all available resources to rescue the judge safely. It also appealed to the Kebbi State Government to collaborate with federal security agencies to ensure his release and bring those responsible to justice.
The association further advocated strengthened security measures for judicial officers across the country, stressing that judges must be adequately protected while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
The NBA also expressed solidarity with Justice Bunza’s family, colleagues, and the Kebbi State judiciary, praying for his safe and speedy return.
Justice Bunza was reportedly kidnapped around midnight on Sunday when armed men invaded his residence along Zogirma Road in Bunza shortly after he arrived from Sokoto State.
According to a family source, the gunmen stormed the house, shouting as they carried out the operation, but did not physically harm other members of the household or nearby residents before taking the judge away.
The incident was immediately reported to the authorities and the management of the Kebbi State High Court. Family members appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the judge, while calling on Nigerians to pray for his safe return.
A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, described the abduction as a disturbing development and confirmed that the court’s management had begun consultations with security agencies to facilitate the judge’s rescue.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, said Commissioner of Police Umar Muhammad Hadejia had immediately deployed tactical and intelligence operatives following the report.
Usman said security personnel had launched a coordinated manhunt, combing identified hideouts and forested areas in an effort to rescue the judge unharmed. He added that the police were working closely with other security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.
As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the abduction, while investigations and rescue operations remained ongoing.