Relief swept across Kebbi State on Monday as abducted High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, regained his freedom after spending about one week in the custody of suspected bandits.

The judge, who was abducted from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State last week, has safely reunited with his family, ending days of anxiety within the state’s judiciary and legal community. Blueprint reports

A family member confirmed the development, saying Justice Bunza returned home a few hours before news of his release became public.

“We are in jubilation and full of gratitude to God for bringing our own back safely. He has just been released and has returned home after spending one week with the bandits,” the family source said.

The family also expressed appreciation to the Kebbi State Judiciary, security agencies and members of the public who offered prayers, encouragement and solidarity throughout the period of the judge’s captivity.

“We sincerely thank the Kebbi State Judiciary, the security agencies and the entire people of Kebbi State who stood with us in prayers and supported us in different ways during this difficult period. Your concern and encouragement gave us strength,” the source added.

The family, however, declined to disclose the circumstances surrounding the judge’s release, saying details would be made available at a later time.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kebbi State Judiciary nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the judge’s release.

Abduction sparks widespread concern

Justice Bunza was kidnapped last week when suspected bandits reportedly stormed his residence in Bunza town and whisked him away to an unknown destination.

The incident generated widespread condemnation from members of the legal profession, residents and public officials, who described the abduction as a direct attack on the judiciary and the administration of justice.

Following the incident, the Kebbi State Police Command said it deployed tactical and intelligence teams to work with other security agencies in an effort to secure the judge’s safe rescue and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

The abduction also renewed concerns over the growing wave of kidnappings targeting public office holders and professionals across the country.

Growing threats to judicial officers

Justice Bunza’s ordeal is the latest in a series of security incidents involving judicial officers, highlighting increasing concerns over their safety while carrying out official duties.

Only days after his abduction, a Shari’ah Court Judge, Mohammed Muktar, narrowly escaped death or possible abduction when suspected bandits invaded a courtroom in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

According to reports, the gunmen stormed the court premises in broad daylight, firing sporadically while searching for the judge.

Justice Muktar reportedly noticed the attackers before they entered the courtroom, escaped through a window and fled the scene on a commercial motorcycle.

The attackers were said to have threatened to kill him should he return to the court, prompting heightened security concerns around judicial facilities in the state.

The incident further underscored fears among judicial officers serving in rural and security-challenged communities, where criminal gangs have increasingly carried out attacks with little warning.

Calls for stronger protection

The recent attacks have renewed calls by legal practitioners and stakeholders for enhanced security around courts, judges’ residences and other judicial institutions.

Observers warn that attacks targeting judicial officers not only endanger lives but also undermine public confidence in the justice system and the rule of law.

They argued that judges should be adequately protected to enable them discharge their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation or fear of violence.

Security analysts have also urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve collaboration among security agencies to curb the activities of criminal gangs operating in several parts of the country.

Relief, but questions remain

Although Justice Bunza’s release has been widely welcomed, questions remain over the circumstances surrounding his freedom.

Neither the family nor security agencies have indicated whether any ransom was paid or whether security operations contributed to his release.

The silence has fuelled public interest, especially as kidnappings for ransom continue to pose one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges.

For now, however, members of the judiciary, colleagues and residents of Kebbi State are celebrating the safe return of the judge, while hoping authorities will intensify efforts to bring his abductors to justice and prevent similar attacks on judicial officers across the country.

The latest development comes amid persistent calls for comprehensive security reforms to safeguard public officials and restore confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.