Family Says N50 Million Was Paid to Secure Release of Kidnapped Kebbi Judge

By Blessing fali

The family of a judge in Kebbi State has disclosed that a ransom of N50 million was paid to secure his release after he was abducted by suspected kidnappers, raising fresh concerns over the growing insecurity affecting parts of the country.

According to family members, the payment was made after prolonged negotiations with the abductors in a bid to ensure the judge regained his freedom unharmed. They said the decision was taken as all efforts to secure his release through other means proved unsuccessful.

The family expressed relief over the judge’s safe return but described the ordeal as traumatic, noting that the incident has left lasting emotional and psychological effects on relatives and close associates.

The revelation has renewed public debate over the increasing incidence of kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria, particularly targeting public officials, professionals and business owners. Security experts have warned that ransom payments, while often seen as the quickest route to securing victims’ freedom, could encourage further criminal activities by providing financial incentives to kidnappers.

Authorities have consistently maintained that kidnapping remains a serious threat to national security and have pledged to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for such attacks. Security agencies continue to carry out operations aimed at rescuing victims and apprehending those behind the growing wave of abductions.

Legal practitioners and civil society organisations have also called for stronger security measures around judicial officers, stressing that attacks on members of the judiciary pose a threat to the administration of justice and the rule of law. They urged the government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve security coordination and enhance the protection of vulnerable public officials.

Analysts say the incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms, including increased investment in intelligence, surveillance and rapid response capabilities to curb the activities of criminal groups operating across various parts of the country.

The latest development comes amid renewed calls for stronger collaboration between federal and state security agencies to tackle kidnapping and restore public confidence in the country’s security architecture.