Gunmen kidnap Sharia judge, demand N20 million ransom in Niger

Gunmen on Thursday evening kidnapped a Sharia Court Judge, Abubakar Mohammed, near Jerimiya village in Rafi local government area of Niger State. The judge was returning to Pandogari from his duty post, in Alawa community in Shiroro local government area of the state, when gunmen abducted him.

The district head of the Alawa, Ibrahim Saleh, told Daily Trust on phone that he got calls from villagers that the judge was returning to his base on a motorcycle at about 4:45 pm when he was ambushed. Our correspondent learnt that the judge resorted to using motorcycle, as his vehicle developed mechanical fault.

The Deputy Registrar, Sharia Court of Appeal, Niger State, Alhaji Sanusi Bobi said the kidnappers have demanded for N20 million as ransom before they release Mohammed.

Confirming this report, the Police Public Relation Office (PPRO), ASP Abubakar Muhammad Dan Inna said that police have commenced full investigation into the abduction of the judge with a view to rescuing him. He said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Dibal Paul Yakadi has directed the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the command to rescue the judge.

The kidnapping is coming three days after seven people were kidnapped, and three others killed, along the same road.

The district head said that the entire community now lives under fear, following the activities of the armed criminals in the area.