The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the abduction of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court, describing the incident as an attack on the judiciary, the administration of justice and the rule of law.
In a statement issued by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the association called for the judge’s immediate and unconditional release, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure his safe rescue.
“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 expressed concern over what it described as the increasing boldness of criminal groups targeting judicial officers and other key institutions responsible for upholding justice.
It warned that such attacks could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system if not decisively addressed.
The NBA 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 every available resource to ensure Justice Bunza is rescued unharmed.
It also urged the Kebbi State Government to work closely with federal security agencies to secure the judge’s release and ensure those behind the abduction are brought to justice.
The association further stressed the need for improved security arrangements for judges across the country, noting that judicial officers must be adequately protected while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
Justice Bunza was abducted on Sunday night after suspected gunmen invaded his residence along Zogirma Road in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, shortly after he returned from Sokoto State.
According to a family source, the attackers whisked him away without harming other members of the household.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, said tactical and intelligence operatives had been deployed to rescue the judge.
He added that security personnel were combing forests and other suspected hideouts as part of an ongoing coordinated rescue operation.
As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the abduction.
