-
Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza regains freedom after spending one week in the custody of bandits, bringing relief to the Kebbi State judiciary and residents.
-
Family confirms judge’s safe return, thanks the judiciary, security agencies, and the people of Kebbi State for their prayers and support during the ordeal.
-
NiDCOM secures the release of Nigerian women detained in Mauritius, with the travellers now returning to Nairobi following diplomatic intervention.
-
Federal authorities seek accountability as the Nigerian Embassy engages Mauritian officials to establish the circumstances surrounding the detention and prevent a recurrence.
August 3, (THEWILL) — A wave of relief swept through Nigeria on Monday as two separate incidents that had sparked nationwide concern ended on a positive note, with an abducted Kebbi State High Court judge regaining his freedom after one week in captivity and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) confirming the release of Nigerian women detained by immigration authorities in Mauritius.
The developments brought to a close two high-profile cases that had triggered public anxiety and renewed concerns over the security of Nigerians both within the country and abroad.
Kebbi Judge Returns Home After Week in Captivity
Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, a judge of the Kebbi State High Court who was abducted by suspected bandits last week, has regained his freedom and returned home safely.
A family member confirmed the development to journalists on Monday, describing the judge’s return as a moment of thanksgiving after days of uncertainty.
“We are in jubilation and full of gratitude to God for seeing our own return safely from captivity. He was just released and has returned home now after spending one week with the bandits,” the family member said.
The family also expressed appreciation to the Kebbi State Judiciary, security agencies, traditional leaders, residents of the state, and all Nigerians who offered prayers, solidarity, and support throughout the period of the judge’s captivity.
“We sincerely thank and appreciate the Kebbi State Judiciary, the security agencies, and the entire people of Kebbi State who contributed in different ways, offered prayers, and sent messages of sympathy. Your concern and support gave us strength, and we are grateful for your solidarity,” the source added.
According to the family, details surrounding the circumstances of the judge’s release would be disclosed at a later time.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kebbi State Judiciary nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the judge’s release.
Justice Bunza’s abduction last week sent shockwaves across Kebbi State and the legal community, with judges, lawyers, and civil society organisations demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
NiDCOM Confirms Release of Nigerians Detained in Mauritius
In a separate development, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission announced that the Nigerian women detained by immigration authorities in Mauritius have been released and are on their way back to Nairobi.
The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Digital Media Unit.
According to NiDCOM, its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is working closely with the Nigerian Embassy, which has formally engaged the Mauritian authorities over the incident.
“The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission wishes to inform the public that the Nigerian girls who were previously detained have been released. They are currently on their way back to Nairobi.
“The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, is actively engaging the relevant Nigerian Embassy, who have formally taken up this matter with the authorities of the country concerned, to ensure full accountability and prevent any recurrence,” the statement read.
The commission reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians wherever they reside, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Mauritian detention case attracted widespread public attention after an X user alleged that several Nigerian women had been held by immigration officials at a Mauritian airport since July 31 without being informed of the reasons for their detention.
According to the social media post, the women were presented with an undisclosed document and asked to sign it. However, they reportedly declined to do so until its contents were explained.
The user alleged that immigration officials refused to provide any explanation, insisting only that they were under no obligation to do so.
The post further claimed that one of the women became ill after being subjected to prolonged stress while in custody. It also alleged that one of the travellers had visited Mauritius to celebrate her birthday with friends before the group was detained.
The allegations triggered widespread outrage on social media, prompting calls for the Federal Government, NiDCOM, and the Nigerian diplomatic mission to urgently intervene.
Although NiDCOM has now confirmed the women’s release, neither the commission nor the Nigerian Embassy disclosed the precise reasons for their detention or the circumstances surrounding their eventual release.
Similarly, Mauritian authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Monday’s twin developments ended days of anxiety for the families of those involved, but they have also reignited discussions about Nigeria’s domestic security challenges and the need for stronger diplomatic protection for Nigerian citizens travelling or living abroad.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
