Judge’s Family Claims ₦50m Ransom Secured Release, Contradicts Police

The family of Justice Faruku Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court has disputed police claims that no ransom was paid for his release, insisting that ₦50 million, along with soft drinks and biscuits, was handed over to the kidnappers before the judge regained his freedom.

Justice Bunza was released after spending about a week in captivity, prompting celebrations as family members, friends and well-wishers gathered at his residence to welcome him home.

While the Kebbi State Police Command maintained that the judge was freed without the payment of ransom, a close family member rejected the claim, saying the kidnappers’ initial demand of ₦200 million was negotiated down to ₦50 million before his release.

A relative of the judge confirmed that Justice Bunza returned home in good health after being dropped off from a commercial vehicle on Monday morning.

The incident has renewed concerns over the persistent threat of kidnapping for ransom in parts of the country, with residents calling on security agencies to strengthen efforts to tackle rising insecurity and protect lives and property.