Anxiety is mounting over the fate of a Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruku Bunza, after his kidnappers demanded a N200 million ransom for his release days after he was abducted by armed men.
As gathered, the abductors have established contact with the judge’s family and insisted on payment before setting him free.
They also reached out to a registrar of the High Court in Abuja as part of efforts to open negotiations over the ransom.
Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, disclosed the development yesterday while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on the ongoing efforts to rescue the judge.
According to Hadejia, security agencies have intensified the search for Justice Bunza, with tactical and intelligence teams deployed to track the kidnappers.
“Our intelligence indicates that the kidnappers have contacted the family and demanded N200 million.
“They also reached out to a registrar of the High Court in Abuja as part of the negotiation process,” Hadejia said.
The police commissioner said operatives were combing forests and suspected escape routes believed to have been used by the abductors after the incident.
He added that reinforced checkpoints and heightened surveillance had been put in place at strategic locations to restrict the movement of the suspects and improve the chances of rescuing the judge unharmed.
Hadejia expressed optimism that the ongoing operation would lead to Justice Bunza’s safe release and the arrest of all those involved in the abduction.
“We are committed to securing the judge’s freedom and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.
“We urge members of the public to support security agencies with credible information that could assist the operation,” he said.
The commissioner also advised residents, particularly public office holders and other prominent individuals, to avoid unnecessary night travel, warning that such movements increase the risk of attacks by criminal gangs amid the prevailing security challenges.