Judge Escapes Through Window As Bandits Attack Court In Katsina

The presiding judge of a Sharia Court in Gwarjo community, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, narrowly escaped abduction on Thursday after suspected bandits attacked the court during proceedings.

The judge, Mohammed Mukhtar, reportedly fled through a back window moments before the armed men stormed the court premises, averting what residents believe was an attempted kidnap.

Eyewitnesses said the attack occurred while the court was in session, triggering panic among court staff, litigants and other visitors, who fled for safety.

Sources said Justice Mukhtar spotted the approaching gunmen from a distance and quickly escaped through a rear window alongside some court employees before the assailants reached the courtroom.

The attackers reportedly fired several gunshots upon entering the premises and repeatedly demanded to know the judge’s whereabouts. Angered by his escape, they allegedly threatened to return for him.

While many residents believe the gunmen intended to abduct the judge for ransom, others expressed fears that they may have planned to kill him.

The incident has further heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Matazu and other frontline communities in Katsina State, where attacks by bandits have become increasingly frequent.

Residents called on the federal and state governments to strengthen security around courts and other public institutions, warning that judicial officers have become vulnerable targets for criminal groups.

The attack comes barely two months after retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife were abducted in Matazu on May 30. The retired army officer later died in captivity, while his wife was rescued by security operatives after sustaining a gunshot wound.

It also follows the recent abduction of a High Court judge, Justice Faruku Hassan, in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State on July 26. His abductors reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦200 million, raising fresh concerns over the increasing targeting of judicial officers.

At the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Efforts to obtain comments from the Chairman of Matazu Local Government, Hon. Shamshudeen Saya, and the council’s Information Officer, Mansir Bala, were unsuccessful.