The Kebbi State Police Command has insisted that no ransom was paid to secure the release of abducted High Court Judge, Justice Faruk Bunza, as security agencies intensify efforts to arrest those behind his abduction.
The command confirmed on Monday that the judge regained his freedom after spending about a week in captivity following his abduction from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said although the kidnappers demanded ransom during the period of captivity, the command maintained its policy against negotiating or paying criminals.
He said police operatives, working with other security agencies, have expanded investigations and are pursuing those responsible for the abduction.
“The police and other security agencies have stepped up investigation to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” Usman said.
The command appealed to residents to support the investigation by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects, assuring that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.
Residents were also urged to report useful intelligence through the command’s emergency control room numbers: 09039911876 and 07081074395.
The release of the judge comes amid growing concerns over the rising wave of kidnappings targeting public officials and residents in parts of northern Nigeria, with security agencies under pressure to dismantle criminal networks operating across the region.