The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has denounced the abduction of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court, describing the incident as a grave assault on the nation’s judiciary and the rule of law.
The association made its position known in a statement issued by its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, who called for the judge’s immediate and unconditional release.
According to Osigwe, the kidnapping of a serving judicial officer from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area represents a dangerous challenge to the administration of justice and raises fresh concerns over the safety of judicial officers across the country.
He urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, the National Security Adviser and other security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure Justice Bunza is rescued safely while those behind the abduction are tracked down and prosecuted.
The NBA also appealed to the Kebbi State Government to work closely with federal security agencies to secure the judge’s freedom and strengthen measures aimed at preventing similar attacks on members of the judiciary.
The association warned that the increasing targeting of judges and other public officials involved in the justice system could weaken public confidence in the courts and undermine the effective delivery of justice if left unchecked.
It further stressed the need for enhanced security for judicial officers nationwide, noting that judges must be able to perform their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation or fear for their personal safety.
The NBA expressed solidarity with Justice Bunza, his family, members of the Kebbi State judiciary and the wider legal community, while expressing hope that he would regain his freedom safely and without delay.