The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the abduction of Justice Faruku Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court by suspected armed bandits.
It described 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 NBA denounced the attack and called for 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 NBA said.
The association expressed concern over what it described as the growing boldness of criminal elements targeting institutions and officials responsible for the administration of justice, warning that such attacks threaten public confidence in the justice system.
It urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the National Security Adviser and other relevant security agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure Justice Bunza’s safe rescue.
It also called on the Kebbi State Government to work closely with federal security agencies to secure his release and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The association further advocated enhanced security arrangements for judicial officers across the country, stressing that judges must be protected while carrying out their constitutional duties.
The NBA also extended its thoughts and prayers to Justice Bunza, his family, colleagues on the Bench and the Kebbi State judiciary, expressing hope for his immediate release.
Suspected gunmen had on Sunday night abducted Justice Bunza from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
A family source told journalists that the incident occurred shortly after the judge returned home from Sokoto State.
According to the source, the armed men stormed Justice Bunza’s residence along Zogirma Road and whisked him away without physically 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 the command had deployed tactical and intelligence operatives to rescue the abducted judge.
He added that a coordinated manhunt had been launched, with security personnel combing identified hideouts and forested areas in an effort to rescue the judge unharmed.
No group had claimed responsibility for the abduction as of the time of filing this report.
