‘They Were Scared of Me Coughing’ — Kidnapped Kebbi Judge Reveals Nine Days in Bandits’ Den

Kebbi State High Court Judge, Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza, has revealed how he spent nine days in captivity, trekking 25 kilometres barefoot and living under the watch of armed bandits before regaining his freedom.

Justice Bunza, who spoke with Weekend Trust was abducted from his residence in Bunza on July 26, 2026, said his captors were so fearful of being discovered that they once warned him to stop coughing, believing the sound could alert security operatives or residents to their location.

“They were very scared because they thought I was coughing to alert people to our location,” the judge said while recounting his ordeal.

The judge was reportedly released on August 3 after his abductors collected a ransom of ₦50 million. He was held at Dutsen Bandan, a known bandit hideout in Suru Local Government Area of Kebbi State, about 49 kilometres from his hometown.

‘They Told Me They Were Ordered to Kidnap Me’

Justice Bunza said the bandits showed him photographs of himself and the chairman of Bugudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nura Umar Abdullahi, telling him they had been ordered to abduct both men.

“They asked if it was me and said they were ordered to kidnap both of us, but they didn’t mention who gave the order,” he recounted.

According to him, the kidnappers also showed awareness of developments outside their hideout, including reports about his abduction.

“They monitor news and social media,” he said.

‘They Were Friendly, They Never Tortured Me’

Despite the harsh conditions, Justice Bunza said he was not physically tortured or humiliated during his nine days in captivity.

“They were friendly throughout the nine days. They never humiliated me,” he said.

He disclosed that his captors fed him twice daily, providing him with tuwo shinkafa or semo with okra soup, bottled water and Maltina.

“The only things that troubled me were climbing the hill and the long trek,” he said.

However, he said two other captives at the camp were not given the same treatment and were allegedly denied proper food and clean drinking water.

‘I Was Abducted Because I Am a Judge and They Thought I Was Rich’

Justice Bunza said he believed his position as a judge and the perception that he was wealthy were the major reasons he was targeted.

“As a judge I handle high-profile criminal cases including banditry and kidnapping. For that reason alone, the bandits might have targeted me,” he said.

He added that his abductors were also told he was one of the richest people in Bunza, with several houses, farmlands and five vehicles.

“Based on my interaction with them, I fully understood that my abduction was purely for ransom. My abductors were just money mongers. They had no intention to kill me. Their target was to collect money,” he said.

‘Nothing Can Change My Commitment as a Judge’

Despite the trauma, Justice Bunza said the incident would not affect his judicial responsibilities.

“Nothing on this earth can make me change my attitude and commitment to my duties as a judge,” he declared.

“In fact, this experience will only motivate me to double my commitment to discharging my duties.”

How He Regained Freedom

The judge said his two fellow captives escaped on August 1, while he was abandoned by the bandits two days later after the ransom was reportedly paid.

He said he overheard two of his captors arguing about whether to shoot him before they eventually fled.

“One said the other should shoot me, but he didn’t, probably to avoid attracting security operatives or passersby. They eventually abandoned me and ran away,” he said.

Justice Bunza later removed the covering from his face, descended the hill and trekked until he reached a village, where he hid overnight.

He continued his journey the following morning and eventually secured transportation back to Bunza.

“When I got home, relatives and other sympathisers were outside. Because of the tinted glass, no one recognised me until I came out from the car. Then people started jubilating,” he recalled.

‘Government Must Secure Judges’

Justice Bunza also called for improved security for judicial officers, particularly at their residences.

“Despite the risk of our job, we are not provided with security at our residences. We are prone to attack. It is unfortunate and the government must do something urgently,” he said.

He urged the government to provide secure residential quarters for judges and ensure that every judge has adequate security, especially at night.

Judge Calls for Action Against Banditry

The judge said security forces could dismantle some bandit camps if they were given the opportunity to confront the criminals directly.

He also identified poverty, unemployment and illiteracy as major drivers of banditry and kidnapping.

“If government tackles the problems of poverty, unemployment and education, the menace of banditry and kidnapping will be drastically reduced, if not completely wiped out,” he said.

Justice Bunza attributed his survival and eventual freedom to the prayers of his family, friends and well-wishers, saying he remained grateful to Almighty Allah for bringing him safely home.