Abducted judge regains freedom after two months in captivity

A High Court judge in Borno State, Haruna Mshelia, who was kidnapped in June, 2024 has been released.

On Monday, June 24, Mshelia was abducted alongside his wife, driver and police orderly along Biu-Maiduguri – Damaturu Road. Justice Mshelia, was travelling with his wife, a Magistrate, from Biu to Maiduguri when they were ambushed by heavily armed group between Borno and Yobe States.

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He was released by his abductors on Saturday, September 7, after two months in captivity. This was announced on a WhatsApp platform of Borno lawyers. “Alhamdulillah, we have just received the news of the release of Justice Haruna Mshelia,” the message read.

The statement said only Mr Mshelia was released. His wife, police orderly and his driver remain in captivity. A follow-up message urged continued prayers for their safety. The Chairman of the NBA Maiduguri branch, Hamza Zannah, also confirmed the judge’s release to Humangle.