The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the abduction of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court, describing the incident as a direct attack on the judiciary, the administration of justice, and the rule of law.
Justice Bunza was reportedly abducted by suspected armed bandits from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Sunday night, shortly after returning from Sokoto State.
In a statement signed by NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the association expressed concern over the increasing boldness of criminal elements targeting judicial officers and institutions responsible for the administration of justice.
“The abduction of a serving judicial officer is not only an assault on Justice Bunza but also a grave threat to public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system,” the statement said.
The NBA called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Security Adviser, and other security agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure the judge’s immediate and safe release.
It also urged the Kebbi State Government to collaborate with federal security agencies to secure Justice Bunza’s rescue and bring those responsible to justice.
The association further advocated improved security for judicial officers across the country, stressing the need to protect judges as they carry out their constitutional responsibilities without fear or intimidation.
Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident, with Police Public Relations Officer SP Bashir Usman stating that tactical and intelligence teams had been deployed to rescue the abducted judge. According to the police, a coordinated manhunt is underway, with security operatives combing identified hideouts and forested areas in search of the kidnappers.
As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the abduction.
