Kidnappers kill eldest son, demand N300m ransom for release of female Judge, 3 sons

Kidnappers kill eldest son, demand N300m ransom for release of female Judge, 3 sons

Terrorists have abducted a Kaduna-based female Judge alongside her four children and killed the eldest son, while threatening to kill the other children if the ransom of N300 million they demanded isn’t immediately paid.

The judge and her sons were abducted in Mahuta New Extension, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Chief Executive Officer of the House of Justice, Gloria Mabeiam Ballason, Esq, has in a statement, “condemned the abduction of a Customary Court Judge, HW Janet Galadima, and her four children as well as the murder of her 14-year old son by the terrorists.”

She said Janet Galadima was on the night of Sunday 23 June, 2024, abducted along with her four sons at their residence in Kaduna State, while her medical doctor husband was away on duty.

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“The abductors reported to have been about fifteen, took their captives hostage and demanded a huge sum as ransom. On Tuesday, 2 July 2024, the terrorists shot dead the 14-year first son of the Judge when the ransom demanded could not be obtained.”

Ballason condemned the abduction and murder in the strongest possible terms stating that judicial officers under Article 7 of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary, deserve protection and adequate security to enable them carry out their judicial functions and that the Nigerian State has a Constitutional mandate under Section 33 and 14 (2)b of the 1999 Constitution to guarantee and ensure the safety of the Judge, her family and all citizens.

She described the murder of Victor, the 14-year-old son of the Judge, as ‘grisly and blood-curdling ‘ stating that no parent deserves the horror of watching their child being killed in such cold, callous manner.

She called on the Nigerian security agencies, the Governor of Kaduna State, the Nigeria Bar Association and the Judiciary to rise to the urgency of the moment for the protection of lives of His Worship, Janet Galadima, and her children and to ensure justice is served.

The Police spokesperson in Kaduna was yet to react to inquiry on the incident at the time of this report.

Similarly, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kaduna State chapter in a statement issued by Dr Shuaibu Joga, the PRO, said it received with rude shock the turn of events regarding one of their members whose wife and four children were kidnapped on 23/06/2024 at his residence while he was away in Kano for an official assignment.

“Following the incident, we visited and interacted with him, and he informed us that the kidnappers had made a demand of 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 (Wednesday) that the first son was killed to force payment of the said sum.

“In response, we are calling for an emergency SEC meeting today (Wednesday) 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 six 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 unwanton evil,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, a family source said they humbly plead for assistance in spreading the information, praying that it may reach the right person/entity to intervene.

“The wife and 4 children of Dr. Musa Gimba Dutse were kidnapped on 23/06/24 from his residence in Kaduna while he was away in Kano for an official assignment.

“Security agencies were duly informed after the incident with kidnappers initially demanding N300 million (they reduced it to 298 million) to secure their release. While negotiations were ongoing, the kidnappers murdered Dr. Musa’s eldest son Victor (14yrs) on 2/7/24 to force payment of the ransom.

“Dr. Musa is a civil servant working for the state primary healthcare board, and his wife Janet is a magistrate with Kaduna State Customary Court. They do not have the funds, and despite all efforts, he has not been able to raise the ransom.

“Worrying still, the kidnappers are still demanding N298m and threatening more violence. Consequently, we are increasingly fearful for his wife and the remaining three children who remain in their clutches.

“Although the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, as well as Nigeria Medical and Bar Associations are aware, they have not been fruitful in their efforts.

“I humbly and respectfully request you to share this sad story to raise awareness of this family’s plight and possibly get the help Dr. Musa needs to secure his family’s release,” the source added.