AJJF Condemns Abduction of Kebbi Judge, Demands Immediate Release

The Africa Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF) has strongly condemned the abduction of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court, describing the incident as a direct attack on judicial independence and the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Monday, AJJF Chairperson, Justice Oagile Bethuel Key Dingake, expressed “profound concern and unequivocal condemnation” over the reported kidnapping of the judge, who was allegedly abducted by armed men from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State in the early hours of July 26.

Justice Dingake extended the Forum’s solidarity to Justice Bunza, his family, the National Judicial Council, the Nigerian judiciary, and the people of Nigeria, while calling for the judge’s immediate and unconditional release.

He said the abduction of a serving judicial officer was a matter of utmost gravity, warning that such attacks undermine constitutional democracy and the administration of justice.

“The administration of justice depends upon judges being able to perform their constitutional duties free from fear, intimidation, coercion or violence,” he said, adding that the safety of judicial officers is essential to preserving judicial independence, maintaining public confidence in the justice system, and upholding the rule of law.

The Forum welcomed the swift response reportedly initiated by Nigerian security agencies and urged authorities to deploy every lawful measure necessary to secure Justice Bunza’s safe rescue. It also called for a comprehensive investigation to ensure those responsible are identified, arrested and prosecuted.

AJJF further urged the Federal Government, security agencies and justice sector institutions to strengthen security arrangements for judicial officers, particularly those exposed to heightened risks in the discharge of their duties.

According to Justice Dingake, the incident should serve as a wake-up call for African countries to regularly review judicial security measures, including risk assessments, emergency response systems and coordination between the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.

He reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to judicial independence, the rule of law and the protection of judicial officers across Africa, expressing hope that Justice Bunza would soon be reunited safely with his family and colleagues.

The Kebbi State judge was reportedly abducted from his home in Bunza Local Government Area by armed men. The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the incident and said rescue operations are underway.

No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction. The latest incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity and the increasing targeting of prominent public officials, including judicial officers, across Nigeria.