Kebbi High Court Judge Freed After Week Long Kidnapping

A High Court judge in Nigeria's Kebbi state has been freed after being held captive for about a week, according to police and family members. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was abducted from his home in Bunza town on July 26 and was released on August 3.

The Kebbi state police spokesman, Bashir Usman, confirmed the judge's release, stating that the kidnappers had made a ransom demand. He emphasized that the police command maintains a firm stance against paying ransoms. The exact circumstances of the release were not detailed, and the attackers remain at large. Security agencies have intensified investigative efforts to track down the perpetrators, police said.

A family member confirmed the judge's safe return home, expressing jubilation and gratitude. The family thanked the Kebbi State Judiciary, security agencies, and the public for their prayers and support during the ordeal. They declined to provide details about the release, saying more information would be made available later.

The abduction had drawn widespread condemnation from the legal community and public officials, who described it as a direct attack on the judiciary. Following the incident, the Kebbi State Police Command...