Photo: Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum
By Sadeeq Kamsela, Abuja
Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram, has demanded a $500,000 to free the wife of Justice Haruna Mshelia, a Borno State High Court Judge, his driver and police orderly.
The terrorist group abducted Justice Msheila and his wife, Justice Binta Othman, who is a magistrate at the Wulari Court in Maiduguri in June 2024.
He was later released after paying a hefty ransom, but his wife, driver and police orderly were kept by the terrorists who are now demanding $500,000 (N746.72m)
A Daily Trust quoted family that the terrorists rejected an initial offer of $50,000, insisting on the full $500,000 before releasing the remaining captives.
Justice Mshelia was abducted on June 24, 2024, along with his wife, Binta Othman-a magistrate at Wulari Court in Maiduguri-his orderly, and his driver.
The terrorists released Justice Mshelia on September 8 after a substantial ransom was paid, but only on the condition that he raises an additional $500,000 for his family’s release.
“We learned that the family managed to raise almost $50,000, but the insurgents turned down the offer, insisting on the full $500,000,” a source said.
The reports noted that the efforts to reach Justice Haruna Mshelia for comments were unsuccessful, as his phone remained unreachable.
Similarly, the Dean of the Technology Department at the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB), Professor Abubakar Eljuma, remains in captivity.
Sources from the university revealed that the suspected Boko Haram terrorists who abducted him have yet to contact either the university or his family regarding his fate.
Meanwhile, suspected Boko Haram terrorists on Wednesday attacked a police station and partially destroyed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), in Malari, Konduga LGA of Borno State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Borno State Command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident saying the attackers met superior firepower and escaped with gunshot wounds.
He, however, said the terrorists only deflated the tyres of the police Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) in an attempt to cause damage on vehicles and infrastructure in the vicinity.
