A family member of Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza of Kebbi State High Court, who was kidnapped in his house at Bunza town two weeks ago, told some newsmen that the family paid the kidnappers N50 million to secure his release, contrary to speculations that no dime was paid to the abductors.

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.

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“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.

“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.