Gunmen Demand N300 Million Ransom for Abducted Kaduna Female Judge, Sons, Kill Eldest 14-Year-Old Child Over Delay

In a harrowing incident on the night of Sunday, June 23, 2024, gunmen suspected to be terrorists abducted Customary Court Judge Janet Galadima and her four children from their residence in Mahuta, Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria.

Sources reveal that Judge Galadima’s husband, a medical doctor, was away on duty at the time of the abduction. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N300 million for the safe release of the victims. Tragically, the eldest son, a 14-year-old boy, was killed due to the delay in meeting their demands.

A Twitter user, @I_Am_Ilemona, shared the distressing news, stating, “This phone call I just took broke my heart. The wife & 4 sons of a friend’s friend were kidnapped a few days ago in Kaduna. The kidnappers asked for a N300m ransom (which he doesn’t have), or they’ll kill his children. They killed his first son today. My heart is heavy.” He further detailed that the body of the slain boy was dumped for the father to retrieve, a stark warning from the abductors.

The incident has been confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer of the House of Justice, Barr. Gloria Mabeiam Ballason Esq. In a statement released on Wednesday, Ballason condemned the abduction and the brutal murder of the judge’s son. She emphasized the need for judicial officers to have adequate protection and security as outlined in Article 7 of the UN Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary.

Ballason highlighted the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian State under Section 33 and 14 (2)b of the 1999 Constitution to ensure the safety of Judge Galadima, her family, and all citizens. She described the murder of the 14-year-old as “grisly and blood-curdling,” urging immediate action from security agencies, the Governor of Kaduna State, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the judiciary.

The spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the incident and stated that efforts are being intensified to rescue the abducted family members.

“We are trying our best to rescue the victims,” he assured.