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The High Court Judge kidnapped in Kebbi State one week ago, Justice Faruku Bunza, has regained his freedom and returned home safely after staying in abductors haven for one week.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday, the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, Bashir Usman, said the judge regained his freedom on Monday, adding that his release had been confirmed by both his family and the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice.

The police disclosed that although the kidnappers demanded a ransom, the Command maintained its policy against ransom payments.

Police authorities said security agencies have intensified investigations to track down those responsible for the abduction and ensure they are brought to justice.
The Command appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could aid the ongoing investigation, assuring that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.

The police also expressed appreciation to residents and partner security agencies for their support and cooperation throughout the period of the judge’s captivity.

“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 relative said.

The family expressed appreciation to all those who stood by them during the ordeal.

“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 family member stated.

The source said details of how the judge was released will be made public later.

“Other details of how he was released will be made available later,” he added.

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Senator, Shehu Sani, has suggested that the renewed feud between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could continue until one of the two political heavyweights dies.

Sani made the observation on Saturday, August 1, while commenting on the latest exchange between the former political allies.

In a post on X, the former lawmaker described the long-running dispute as a decades-old political feud that began when members of the younger generation were still in primary school.

“The Obj/Atiku feud began when Gen Zs were in nursery and primary school,” Sani wrote.

He noted that the dispute had persisted despite the passage of time, with members of the generation who witnessed its beginnings now graduating from university, getting married and raising families.

“It’s continuing even when that generation has graduated from universities, married and had children,” he added.

Sani suggested that the dispute could remain unresolved until one of the former leaders passes away, after which the surviving party would likely pay tribute to the deceased.

“It’s likely going to continue until one of them is gone, and the other will pay a glowing tribute,” he said.

The former senator also likened the latest attacks from Obasanjo to “hypersonic missiles”, claiming that Atiku had faced sustained criticism from his former principal after previously launching what he described as a “devastating bomb” against him.

“Since Atiku threw a devastating bomb at Obj, he has been receiving Obj’s hypersonic missiles for two decades,” Sani said.

The latest exchange follows Obasanjo’s recent criticism of Atiku, during which the former President said choosing him as his running mate in 1999 was one of his biggest mistakes in office. ExecutiveBranch

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, has also repeatedly criticised Obasanjo while revisiting political disagreements from their time in government.

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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has welcomed the birth of a baby girl with his wife, Olori Oluwatosin Ogunwusi.

This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Ile-Ife by the Ooni’s Senior Media Officer, Mr Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Mr Moses Olafare.

Olafere expressed gratitude to God for the safe delivery, describing the newborn as a divine blessing to the House of Oduduwa.

According to him, the Ooni thanked Almighty Olodumare for His grace and faithfulness, which made the successful delivery possible.

“The Royal Father prayed that the newborn princess will grow in wisdom, grace, honour and divine favour throughout her lifetime.”

He added that both Olori Oluwatosin and the baby princess were in excellent health.

He quoted the Ooni as further praying for God’s continued protection over the royal family and for enduring peace, prosperity and abundant grace for the House of Oduduwa.

The Ooni wished the newborn princess a purposeful, honourable and fulfilled life under God’s guidance.