The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a High Court judge, Justice Haruna Mshelia, his wife, orderly, and others in the Biu Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said, Justice Mshelia who is working with Borno State High Court in Maiduguri was travelling in his vehicle, accompanied by his driver, a security escort and his wife.
As they approached a curve on the road between Buratai and Buni-gari, a group of armed men emerged from the bush and barricaded the road.
The judge’s vehicle screeched to a halt, then attempted to manoeuvre its way to escape.
Unfortunately, in the chaos that ensued, Justice Mshelia’s vehicle was stopped by another team of insurgents, taken them hostage and later whisked them into Sambisa Forest.
The spokesman for the police command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident on Monday.
He said, “We received a report today from one Sani Audu through the Divisional Officer of Biu that on 21st of June, 2024 at about 9am, the justice with his wife, orderly, and the driver were kidnapped along Biu-Maiduguri Road, specifically at Jiba town.”
He said that the police have commenced an investigation to track the terrorists and ensure the safe release of the judge, his wife, the orderly, and the driver.
“There has not been any contact with the terrorists, however, the police have put all security measures to see that the victims are rescued.
“The police through the Borno State Police Commissioner has delegated a Special Investigation team which comprises the State Intelligence Department and other tactical squads in collaboration with other security forces and the DSS to see how they can get forensic evidence they can get to enable them to track and retrieving the victims,” Daso added.
