The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as well as Africa Judges & Jurists Forum (AJJF) have condemned the abduction by suspected armed bandits of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

They urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to protect judicial officers and ensure the safe and speedy return of the judge.

Below are the statements.

NBA Condemns the Abduction of Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, Calls for His 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 unequivocally condemns this reprehensible act in the strongest possible terms. Judicial officers occupy a sacred position in our constitutional democracy and must be able to discharge their responsibilities without fear, intimidation, or threats to their lives and liberty. The increasing audacity of criminal elements in targeting institutions and officials critical to the administration of justice poses a serious danger to public confidence in our justice system and underscores the urgent need for more effective security measures across the country.

We call on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the National Security Adviser, and all other relevant security agencies to deploy every available human and technological resource towards securing the immediate and safe release of Honourable Justice Bunza. We further urge the Government of Kebbi State to work closely with federal security agencies to ensure that no effort is spared in rescuing the learned Judge unharmed and bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

The NBA also calls for enhanced security arrangements for judicial officers across Nigeria. Judges should not be left vulnerable to criminal attacks while carrying out the solemn constitutional duty of dispensing justice. Protecting members of the Bench is indispensable to preserving the independence, integrity, and effectiveness of the judiciary.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Honourable Justice Bunza, his family, his colleagues on the Bench, and the entire Kebbi State judiciary during this deeply distressing period. We pray for his immediate release.

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President
Nigerian Bar Association

AJJF CONDEMNS THE ABDUCTION OF JUSTICE FARUKU HASSAN BUNZA OF THE HIGH COURT OF KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

27 July 2026

JOHANNESBURG/PAPUA NEW GUINEA

The Africa Judges & Jurists Forum (AJJF) expresses its profound concern and unequivocal condemnation of the reported abduction of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the High Court of Kebbi State, who was taken by armed men from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area during the early hours of 26 July 2026.

“We extend our solidarity to Justice Bunza, his family, his judicial colleagues, the National Judicial Council, the Judiciary of Nigeria, and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during this deeply distressing period and sincerely hope for his immediate and safe return” said Justice Professor Oagile Bethuel Key Dingake, Chairperson of AJJF and Judge of the Supreme and National Courts of Papua New Guinea and the Residual Special Court of Sierra Leone.

An attack on a serving judicial officer is a matter of the utmost gravity. Regardless of the motive behind this incident, the abduction of a judge strikes at values that lie at the heart of every constitutional democracy. The administration of justice depends upon judges being able to perform their constitutional duties free from fear, intimidation, coercion or violence.

“The safety and security of judicial officers are therefore indispensable to preserving judicial independence, maintaining public confidence in the justice system, and upholding the rule of law” added Justice Professor Dingake .

AJJF welcomes the swift response reportedly initiated by the Nigerian security authorities following the incident and encourages that every lawful measure be employed to secure Justice Bunza’s safe and unconditional release. We further urge that a thorough investigation be undertaken to ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended and brought before the courts in accordance with the law.

AJJF respectfully calls upon the Federal Government of Nigeria, the relevant security agencies, and all institutions responsible for the administration of justice to continue strengthening measures for the protection of judicial officers, particularly those who may be exposed to heightened security risks arising from the discharge of their judicial responsibilities. Protecting judges is not merely a matter of safeguarding individuals; it is a constitutional imperative that protects the integrity and independence of the justice system itself.

“This regrettable incident also serves as a reminder to all African States of the importance of periodically reviewing the adequacy of security arrangements for judicial officers, including judicial security risk assessments, emergency response mechanisms, and effective coordination between judicial institutions and law enforcement agencies. As threats facing justice institutions continue to evolve, so too must the measures designed to protect those entrusted with administering justice on behalf of the public”, concluded Justice Professor Dingake.

AJJF reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law, and the protection of judicial officers across the African continent. We remain hopeful that Justice Bunza will be reunited safely with his family and colleagues without delay and reaffirm our solidarity with the Judiciary of Nigeria at this difficult time.

For more information please contact Mr Martin Okumu-Masiga, Secretary General of the AJJF on info@africajurists.org

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