…Police deny ransom
Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza, of the Kebbi State High Court, has regained his freedom after spending about one week in captivity, with conflicting accounts emerging over the circumstances surrounding his release.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed yesterday that the judge, who was abducted from his residence in Bunza local government area, had been released, insisting that no ransom was paid despite demands by his captors.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the Police said the command maintained its firm position against the payment of ransom throughout the period of the judge’s captivity. “Though the abductors demanded a ransom during the period of captivity, the Command maintained its firm position against the payment of ransom to criminals. The police and other security agencies have stepped up investigations to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice”, the statement said.
The Police appealed to residents to support ongoing investigations by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the kidnappers, assuring that all information would be treated confidentially.
However, a member of Justice Bunza’s family has given a different account, alleging that the family paid approximately ₦50 million, along with five bottles of malt drink and five packs of fruit juice, to secure the judge’s release.
Speaking in a Hausa-language audio interview, the relative claimed he personally delivered the ransom deep inside a forest about 70 to 80 kilometres from Birnin Kebbi “It was the bandits themselves who received it. As I’m speaking to you now, I was the one who delivered the money. I personally took it to them”, he said.
According to him, about five armed bandits were present when the ransom was delivered. He added that while they were on their way, the kidnappers called again, requesting five bottles of Maltina and five packs of fruit juice, claiming they had exhausted the drinks they already had.
The relative said the ransom was handed over last Friday, while Justice Bunza was released yesterday morning and dropped at his family residence in a hired vehicle. He disclosed that shortly after arriving home, the judge was taken into the custody of security agencies for medical examination and post-release debriefing.
While confirming that the family raised and delivered the money, the relative said they could not say with certainty who ultimately secured the judge’s release.
Justice Bunza was reported to have returned home without visible injuries, and is currently undergoing medical evaluation as investigations into his abduction continue.
