TD ABUJA, Nigeria — The Africa Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF) has strongly condemned the abduction of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the High Court of Kebbi State.
The forum described the incident as a serious attack on the rule of law and judicial independence.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 27, 2026, the continental judicial body expressed what it described as its “profound concern and unequivocal condemnation” over the reported kidnapping of the judge.
According to the AJJF, Justice Bunza was abducted by armed men from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State during the early hours of July 26, 2026.
The Forum called for his immediate, safe and unconditional release.
Chairperson of the AJJF, Justice Oagile Bethuel Key Dingake, who also serves as a Judge of the Supreme and National Courts of Papua New Guinea and the Residual Special Court of Sierra Leone, extended solidarity to the abducted judge, his family and the Nigerian judiciary.
“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,” Justice Dingake said.
He described the abduction of a serving judicial officer as an issue of the utmost gravity
He warned that such attacks undermine constitutional democracy and the administration of justice.
“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,” he said.
According to him, judges must be able to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without fear, intimidation, coercion or violence.
“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,” he added.
The AJJF welcomed the swift response reportedly initiated by Nigerian security agencies following the incident and urged authorities to deploy every lawful measure necessary to secure Justice Bunza’s rescue.
The Forum also called for a comprehensive investigation to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the abduction.
Justice Dingake further urged the Federal Government, security agencies and institutions responsible for the administration of justice to strengthen security measures for judicial officers, particularly those exposed to elevated risks because of the nature of their duties.
“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,” he stated.
The AJJF noted that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for African governments to periodically review security arrangements for judicial officers, including judicial security risk assessments, emergency response mechanisms and closer coordination between the judiciary 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,” Justice Dingake said.
Reaffirming its commitment to judicial independence and the rule of law across Africa, the Forum expressed hope that Justice Bunza would soon be reunited safely with his family and colleagues.
Meanwhile, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the incident and said rescue operations are ongoing.
The latest abduction adds to growing concerns over insecurity in Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become widespread.
Reports indicate that 15,398 people have been abducted across the country since 2019, with victims including civilians, traditional rulers, politicians, and serving as well as retired military officers.
In June 2025, Justice Ebiyerin Umokoro of the Bayelsa State High Court was abducted in Yenagoa, the state capital, before regaining his freedom after spending 12 days in captivity.
The incident renewed calls for enhanced security for members of the judiciary.
