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.
In a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the association denounced the abduction and demanded the judge’s immediate and unconditional release.
“The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemns the abduction of Honourable Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State by suspected armed bandits.
“This brazen attack on a serving judicial officer is not only an assault on the person of Justice Bunza but a direct attack on the Nigerian judiciary, the administration of justice, and the rule of law,” the statement read.
The NBA expressed concern over what it described as the increasing boldness of criminal groups targeting institutions and officials responsible for administering justice, warning that such attacks undermine public confidence in the country’s justice system.
The association called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the National Security Adviser and other security agencies to deploy every available resource to secure Justice Bunza’s safe and immediate release.
It also urged the Kebbi State Government to collaborate closely with federal security agencies to ensure the judge’s rescue and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The NBA further called for enhanced security for judicial officers across the country, stressing that judges must be adequately protected to perform their constitutional responsibilities without fear or intimidation.
The association extended its thoughts and prayers to Justice Bunza, his family, colleagues on the Bench and the Kebbi State judiciary, expressing hope for his safe return.
Justice Bunza was abducted on Sunday night from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
A family source said the incident occurred shortly after the judge returned from Sokoto State. According to the source, armed men stormed his residence along Zogirma Road and whisked him away without harming other occupants of the house or nearby residents.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, said tactical and intelligence teams had been deployed to rescue the judge.
He added that security operatives had launched a coordinated manhunt, combing identified hideouts and surrounding forest areas in a bid to rescue Justice Bunza unharmed.
No group had claimed responsibility for the abduction as of the time of filing this report.
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