News
Abducted Judge: We Paid N50m For His Release – Family
The family of a Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza, who was kidnapped from his residence and released after a week, has confirmed paying N50 million ransom to secure the release.
Justice Bunza was abducted in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, when heavily armed bandits stormed his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The incident was the second abduction of a serving judge in the country in recent times, after the abduction of a Bayelsa State high court judge, Ebiyerin Umokoro, in June 2025.
Justice Bunza regained his freedom on Monday after spending eight days in captivity.
His release was confirmed by the Kebbi State Police Command, his family and the state Ministry of Justice.
The police spokesperson in the state, Bashir Usman, said in a statement that the judge was released earlier on Monday and had reunited safely with his family.
“With the judge now released, the police and other security agencies have intensified investigative efforts to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” the statement said.
The command also appreciated members of the public and partner security agencies for their support during the operation.
It urged residents to continue providing confidential and actionable information that could assist security agencies in arresting the kidnappers.
In a report, a member of Justice Bunza’s family, who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed N50 million was paid to the abductors.
He said the judge was receiving attention and recovering at his residence in Bunza.
According to the family member, the kidnappers initially demanded N200 million but later agreed to accept N50 million after days of negotiations throughout the period the judge spent in captivity.
“We are still attending to him at home since his release on Monday. As you know, he needs time to recover from the trauma he went through.
“We will address the media when he has fully recovered, and we are ready to speak. We will then share details of his ordeal in the hands of his abductors. As for whether a ransom was paid, I can confirm that N50 million was paid,” the source said.
The source also expressed appreciation to the Kebbi State government, security agencies, the state judiciary and residents of the state for their support, prayers and concern throughout the period of the judge’s abduction.
“We are grateful to everyone who stood by us during this difficult period, especially the state government, the security agencies, the judiciary and all those who prayed for his safe return,” he said.
Another family member, who spoke to the Hausa online platform, DCL Hausa, said the abductors, believed to be about five in number, received the ransom on Friday after directing the family to a location deep inside a forest, more than 70 kilometres from Birnin Kebbi.
According to the relative, the kidnappers made an unusual request shortly before the ransom was handed over.
“While we were on our way to deliver the money, they called and asked us to bring five bottles of malt drinks and five bottles of Dudu drinks. They opened the drinks and consumed them in our presence before collecting the ransom,” the source said.
The family said it received news of the judge’s release between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Monday.
“We were informed of his release around 6 to 7 a.m. He was brought home in a commercial vehicle conveying firewood and dropped in front of the house,” the family member said.
According to the source, the judge appeared to be in good health and showed no visible signs of any physical distress after regaining his freedom.
“He is hale and hearty. There is nothing unusual about his physical appearance,” the source added.
However, the police command said the judge abductors made a ransom demand, but it stood firmly against it.
“Although the kidnappers made a ransom demand, the command maintains its firm stance against ransom payment,” the police said.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and dependable defender Michelle Alozie have arrived at the Super Falcons’ camp in Ijebu Ode ahead of their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying fixture against Comoros.
Also joining the team are midfielder Jennifer Echegini and forward Folashade Ijamilusi, bringing the number of players in camp to 22.
Only four players—Comfort Erhabor, Gift Monday, Joy Omewa and Uchenna Kanu—are still expected to join the squad.
The Super Falcons will continue their preparations with another training session at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, tonight.
Meanwhile, the Comoros senior women’s national team arrived in Ijebu Ode on Monday and held their first training session on Tuesday night as they intensify preparations for the first leg.
Friday’s encounter, which was originally scheduled to take place in Comoros, will now be played at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, with kick-off set for 6pm.
The reverse fixture will hold at the same venue next week Tuesday.
Players In Camp
Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma, Chiamaka Nnadozie
Defenders: Farida Abdulwahab; Sandra John; Tumininu Adeshina; Valentina Uroko; Glory Edet; Shukurat Oladipo; Glory Ogbonna
Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe; Toni Payne; Favour Omenazu; Joy Igbokwe; Jennifer Echegini; Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen
Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade; Shakirat Moshood; Blessing Nkor; Sandra John, Folashade Ijamilusi; Janet Akekoromowei
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Wednesday said God used a former military Head of State, Sani Abacha, to create the state.
Governor Oyebanji said without Abacha, Ekiti State would not have been created.
Ekiti State was created on October 1, 1996, out of the old Ondo State, during Abacha’s military regime.
The governor said Ekiti State owes a debt of gratitude to the former military ruler.
Speaking during the ‘Ekiti at 30 Future Summit’ in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, Oyebanji said people of the state have distinguished themselves in various sectors of the economy.
He said: “In the old Western region and later Ondo State, Ekiti men and women distinguished themselves in education, public administration, commerce, agriculture, culture, and national service.
“Through the act of persistent advocacy, leaders made a compelling case for the creation of the state, that way the aspiration of our people would be more effectively pursued.
“We therefore owe an eternal debt of gratitude to the founding fathers of Ekiti State, to the traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, academics, political actors, and women organisations whose sacrifices made the creation possible.
“Some people will not like to hear my next statement but that is the truth, we owe a debt of gratitude to Gen. Sani Abacha who was the Head of State when the state was created.
“Without that man, Abacha, we will not be here. Kabiyesi will tell you what they contended with but God used Abacha and we are grateful.”
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over the aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed the lives of several NAF personnel and others.
The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), conveyed the agency’s sympathies in a letter of condolence addressed to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
In a statement made available to thecolumn.ng by the
Director, Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi
in Abuja on Wednesday (today) Marwa extended the agency’s condolences to the NAF leadership, officers and personnel, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in the crash.
He described the incident as devastating, saying the news was received with profound grief.
The NDLEA boss commended the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as its consistent patriotism, gallantry and commitment to the defence and security of the country.
According to him, the loss of personnel who dedicated their lives to national service was a painful blow to the Air Force, the country and the wider national security community.
“In this moment of deep sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families of the fallen heroes, as well as the entire NAF family,” Marwa said.
He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved families, strengthen the Nigerian Air Force and grant the deceased eternal rest.
Marwa also assured the Air Force of the solidarity and support of the officers, men and women of the NDLEA during the period of mourning.
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