The family of abducted Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruk Bunza, has confirmed that the sum of N50 million ransom was paid for the victim’s release after his kidnap by bandits.
A relative of the judge, on anonymity, disclosed that the amount was paid after the abductors initially demanded N200 million but eventually accepted N50 million after several days of negotiations.
The family held that the payment secured the judge’s release after he spent more than a week in captivity.
A family member, on anonymity said, “We can confirm that N50 million was paid.
“The initial demand was N200 million, but after prolonged negotiations, they agreed to accept N50 million,” he said on Tuesday.
Another relative revealed that the ransom was delivered after the kidnappers directed family representatives to a remote forest location.
According to the source, the abductors also made an unusual request before collecting the money.
“While we were taking the ransom, they instructed us to bring five bottles of malt and five bottles of Dudu drinks.
“They opened and drank them in our presence before collecting the ransom,” the source said.
The source added that Justice Bunza is receiving care at home following his release and is gradually recovering from the ordeal, adding that the legal practitioner will speak publicly when he has fully regained his strength.
The family also disclosed that they received information about the judge’s release early on Monday morning, adding that he returned home safely and appeared to be in stable condition.
Recall that Justice Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State on July 26 and regained his freedom yesterday after eight days in captivity.
Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Police Command acknowledged that the kidnappers demanded a ransom but maintained that it does not support ransom payments.
“Although the kidnappers made a ransom demand, the command maintains its firm stance against ransom payment,” the police said in a statement.