Bandits Demand N300m Ransom for Abducted Kaduna Judge, Kill Son

Suspected bandits who kidnapped a female judge and her four children in Kaduna State have demanded a ransom of N300 million after killing her eldest son.

The judge and her sons were abducted from their residence in the Mahuta area of Kaduna on June 23. The kidnappers, numbering up to 15, stormed the residence at night while her husband, Dr. Musa Gimba Dutse, a medical doctor, was away on duty.

Gloria Ballason, a human rights lawyer and Chief Executive Officer of the House of Justice, confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that the kidnappers have threatened to kill the remaining sons if the ransom is not paid promptly. Ballason reported that the abductors killed the judge’s 14-year-old son, Victor Gimba, on July 2 when the family couldn’t meet the ransom demand.

“The abductors, reported to have been about 15, took their captives hostage and demanded a huge sum as ransom. On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the terrorists shot dead Victor Gimba, the first child of the judge, when the ransom demanded could not be obtained,” she said.

Ballason called for the protection of the judge and her family, urging the government, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and security agencies to take urgent action to ensure their rescue.

The Kaduna State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) also condemned the incident, calling on security agencies to act swiftly. NMA Public Relations Officer Dr. Shuaibu Joga expressed shock at the killing of the judge’s son to force the ransom payment. He stated that the NMA would hold an emergency SEC meeting and a press conference to urge authorities to expedite the release of the judge and her children, as well as other doctors kidnapped six months ago.

“Following the incident, we visited the husband and interacted with him, and he informed us that the kidnappers had demanded N300 million to secure their release. While the security agencies had been informed and negotiations with the kidnappers were ongoing, we received the shocking news today that the first son was killed to force payment of the said sum. In response, we are calling for an emergency SEC meeting today and a press conference to further call on the authorities to expedite action on securing their immediate release and also the release of our other doctor kidnapped 6 months ago. We call for calm from members and request all to stay safe while we engage the necessary security organs to end this needless wanton evil,” he said.We

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the state government or the state police command.