Kebbi Police Intensify Search as Abductors of High Court Judge Demand 200 million naira Ransom
By Yusuf Gwandu
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that the abductors of a Judge of the Kebbi State High Court, Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza, have established contact with his family and demanded 200 million naira ransom, while security agencies intensify efforts to secure his safe release.
Addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, said the judge was abducted in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, 2026, at about 1:40 a.m. by unidentified armed men who invaded his residence in Bunza Local Government Area shortly after he returned from Sokoto State.
The Police Commissioner appealed to the public to remain calm and patient, stressing that kidnapping investigations require sustained intelligence gathering and carefully coordinated operations.
He recalled the abduction of the Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Samaila Bagudo, on October 31, 2025, noting that persistent investigations recently led to the neutralisation of the gang leader, Abdulazeez, also known as “Dogo,” and the arrest of another suspect, Ibrahim Abdulwahab, both from Ilesha in Kwara State.
According to the Commissioner, the Deputy Speaker identified the neutralised suspect as the leader of the gang responsible for his abduction.
He assured residents that the same level of commitment and determination is being applied to the ongoing operation to rescue Justice Bunza and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He also highlighted recent successes recorded by the command in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
Among the achievements, he said police operatives arrested the principal suspect in the kidnapping and murder of Kiruwa Amadu in Augie Local Government Area after tracking him from Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He added that security operatives also foiled the attempted abduction of the Hakimin Badariya in Birnin Kebbi on July 15, 2026, forcing the suspects to flee while the traditional ruler was rescued unharmed.
Providing an update on the Yauri kidnapping case linked to the killing of the District Head of Wara in Ngaski Local Government Area, the Commissioner disclosed that one suspected attacker was neutralised after attempting to evade a police roadblock, while another suspect, Ibrahim Abdulwahab, was arrested. He said exhibits recovered during the operation included an axe allegedly used to gain forced entry and three mobile phones.
The Police Commissioner further revealed that operatives arrested suspects linked to a notorious criminal network involved in cattle rustling, kidnapping and violent attacks in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.
According to him, the suspects were connected to an attack on D’Bege village that resulted in the death of Allayafi Magiro, the theft of two cows, 200 goats, 30 sheep worth millions of naira, and the robbery of ₦1.8 million in cash.
He also announced the dismantling of part of a support network allegedly linked to the Mamudawa bandit group operating in Bagudo Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out between July 16 and 19 in Kaoje, Bakin Ruwa and Illo districts, led to the arrest of two suspected informants accused of providing logistical support, intelligence and spiritual assistance to bandits.
The Commissioner said investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the network.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, and avoid spreading unverified reports capable of undermining ongoing security operations.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Kebbi State Police Command to protecting lives and property, expressing optimism that the ongoing operation to rescue Justice Bunza would produce positive results.
