NBA Demands Immediate Release of Abducted Kebbi Judge, Condemns Attack on Judiciary

The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the abduction of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court, describing the incident as a serious attack on the judiciary, the administration of justice and the rule of law.

Justice Bunza was reportedly abducted from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Sunday night by suspected armed bandits.

The NBA, in a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, called for the judge’s immediate and unconditional release and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue him unharmed.

The association said the abduction of a serving judicial officer represented a disturbing escalation in attacks against public institutions and officials responsible for administering justice.

“The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemns the abduction of Honourable Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State by suspected armed bandits.

“This brazen attack on a serving judicial officer is not only an assault on the person of Justice Bunza but a direct attack on the Nigerian judiciary, the administration of justice, and the rule of law,” the NBA said.

The association expressed concern over what it described as the growing boldness of criminal elements targeting judicial officers and other officials whose responsibilities are central to the administration of justice.

According to the NBA, attacks of this nature could have consequences beyond the individual victims, warning that repeated targeting of judicial officers could undermine public confidence in the justice system and threaten the ability of judges to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without fear.

The association called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the National Security Adviser and other relevant security agencies to deploy all available resources towards securing Justice Bunza’s safe release.

It also urged the Kebbi State Government to work closely with federal security agencies to ensure that the judge is rescued and that those responsible for the abduction are identified and brought to justice.

The NBA further called for stronger security arrangements for judicial officers across the country, stressing that judges should be adequately protected while performing their constitutional duties.

The association extended its thoughts and prayers to Justice Bunza, his family, colleagues on the Bench and the wider Kebbi State judiciary, expressing hope that he would be released safely and without delay.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after Justice Bunza returned home from Sokoto State, according to a family source who spoke to journalists.

The source said the suspected gunmen stormed the judge’s residence along Zogirma Road in Bunza and took him away.

The source added that the attackers did not physically harm other occupants of the residence or nearby residents during the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the abduction, including the number of attackers and whether any demands have been made, remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

No group had claimed responsibility for the incident.

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and said security personnel have been mobilised to locate and rescue the judge.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said tactical and intelligence operatives had been deployed as part of efforts to secure Justice Bunza’s release.

He added that a coordinated manhunt was underway, with security personnel searching identified hideouts and forested areas believed to be potential locations where the abductors could be hiding.

The police have not disclosed whether any arrests have been made or whether contact has been established with the abductors.

The abduction has renewed concerns over the safety of judicial officers and other public officials operating in areas affected by banditry and kidnapping.

For the legal community, the incident has also raised broader concerns about the protection of the judiciary, particularly in regions where criminal groups continue to operate with relative freedom.

As security agencies intensify the search, the NBA has maintained that the immediate priority must be the safe and unconditional release of Justice Bunza, while urging authorities to ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.