The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the abduction of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court, describing the attack as a serious assault on Nigeria’s judiciary and the rule of law.
Justice Bunza was abducted by suspected armed bandits from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, shortly after returning from Sokoto State.
In a statement issued on Monday, NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), called for the judge’s immediate and unconditional release, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue him.
“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 NBA said.
The association warned that the increasing targeting of judicial officers by criminal groups poses a grave threat to public confidence in the justice system.
It called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Security Adviser and other security agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure the judge’s safe rescue.
The NBA also urged the Kebbi State Government to work closely with federal security agencies to secure Justice Bunza’s freedom and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
“Judicial officers must be adequately protected to enable them discharge their constitutional responsibilities without fear or intimidation,” the association said.
The lawyers’ body further expressed solidarity with Justice Bunza’s family, colleagues and the Kebbi State judiciary, saying it remained hopeful for his safe and swift return.
A family source said the gunmen stormed the judge’s residence along Zogirma Road in Bunza and took him away without harming other members of the household or nearby residents.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, said tactical and intelligence teams had been deployed to rescue the abducted judge.
According to him, security operatives have launched a coordinated manhunt, combing identified hideouts and surrounding forests in an effort to rescue Justice Bunza unharmed.
No group had claimed responsibility for the abduction at the time of filing this report.
