Borno State High Court Judge, Haruna Mshelia, held captive since June, has been released.
LeadNaija gathered that Mshelia was taken by suspected Boko Haram members on June 24 while traveling from Biu to Maiduguri with his wife, driver, and police escort. During the abduction, his police escort was killed.
The judge’s release was confirmed through a message on a Borno lawyers’ WhatsApp group, which stated, “Alhamdulillah, we have just received the news of Justice Haruna Mshelia’s release.”
According to Premium Times, only Judge Mshelia was freed; his wife and driver are still being held. The message urged continued prayers for their safe return.
Details regarding the conditions of Mshelia’s release, including whether a ransom was paid, remain unclear. The police have not yet issued a statement on the matter.
Chairman of the NBA Maiduguri branch, Hamza Zannah, verified Mshelia’s release to Humangle.
Judge Mshelia, who transitioned from private legal practice to the Borno State Judiciary in May 2012, was one of two judges selected from private practitioners in the state.
Borno is severely impacted by Boko Haram, making it one of Nigeria’s most terrorized states. The group’s actions have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands and forced many others to flee.
