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
