A judge of the Borno State High Court, Justice Haruna Mshelia, his wife, driver and orderly were yesterday (Monday, 24 June 2024) abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists along Biu- Maiduguri Road.
Justice Mshelia, working at the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri, was traveling in his vehicle, accompanied by his driver, a security escort and his wife. As they approached a curve in the road between Burutai and Buni-gari, a group of armed men emerged from the bushes, their weapons blazing and barricaded the road.
The judge’s vehicle screeched to a halt, then attempted to maneuver its way to escape. In the chaos that ensued, Justice Mshelia’s vehicle was stopped by another team of insurgents, took them hostages and later took them into Sambisa Forest.
The state Police Command, speaking through its spokesman, Nahum Daso, confirmed the abduction.
“We received a report today from one Sani Audu, through the Divisional Officer of Biu that on 24th of June, 2024, at about 9 am, the Honourable Justice, his wife, orderly and driver were kidnapped along Biu-Maiduguri Road, specifically at Jiba town,” he said.
The police spokesman said the investigation had commenced to track the terrorists and ensure the safe release of the judge and other hostages.
“There has not been any contact with the terrorists, but the police have put all security measures to see that the victims are rescued.
“The police command, 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 to enable them to track and retrieve the victims,” Daso said.
Eighteen-Eleven Media