The Africa Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF) has expressed “profound concern and unequivocal condemnation” of the reported abduction of Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza of the High Court of Kebbi State in Northern Nigeria.
The Forum on Monday, 27 July, said the judge “was taken by armed men from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area during the early hours of 26 July 2026,” and called for his “safe and unconditional release.”
“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 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.
A post on the AJJF official website quoted Justice Dingake as saying: “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 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,” said the AJJF Chairperson. “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,” said Justice Dingake. “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 noted: “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.”
“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,” the post added.
No group has claimed responsibility for the judge’s abduction. The police have confirmed the abduction and launched operations for his rescue.
Some 15,398 people have been abducted in Nigeria since 2019, and the high-profile kidnappings include senior serving and retired military officers.
A High Court judge, Justice Ebiyerin Umokoro, was kidnapped in Yenagoa, capital of southern Bayelsa State, in June 2025, and released after 12 days in captivity.