Boko Haram terrorists are demanding a $500,000 ransom for the release of the wife, police orderly, and driver of Justice Haruna Mshelia, a High Court judge in Borno State, Nigeria.

A family source revealed that the terrorists rejected an initial $50,000 offer and insisted on receiving the full amount before freeing the captives.

Justice Mshelia was kidnapped on June 24, 2024, along with his wife, Binta Othman (a magistrate at Wulari Court in Maiduguri), his police orderly, and his driver. The terrorists later freed the judge on September 8 after he paid a significant ransom. However, they demanded that he raise an additional $500,000 for his family’s release.

“We heard that the family gathered almost $50,000, but the terrorists refused to accept it,” a source said.

Authorities are yet to provide an update on the situation. The Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, said he needed more time to give a statement. Justice Mshelia has not been reachable for comments.

Meanwhile, Professor Abubakar Eljuma, the Dean of the Technology Department at the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB), remains in captivity. Sources say the terrorists who kidnapped him have not contacted his family or the university about his release.

In another incident, suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked a police station in Malari, Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State. They tried to destroy an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) but were met with strong resistance from the police. The attackers only managed to deflate the tyres before fleeing with gunshot wounds.

Security remains a major concern in Borno State as Boko Haram continues its violent activities.