NEWS
Bandits Invade Katsina Courtroom, as Shari’ah Court Judge Escapes Death Through Window
Panic erupted in Gwarjo village, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, after heavily armed bandits invaded a Shari’ah court in a brazen daylight attack, forcing the presiding judge to flee for his life through a window moments before the assailants reached the courtroom.
The terrifying incident, which occurred around midday, has further exposed the worsening insecurity confronting rural communities in Katsina State, where residents continue to grapple with frequent attacks by armed bandits.
According to reports, the attackers stormed the court premises, firing sporadically into the air while demanding to know the whereabouts of the presiding judge, Mohammed Muktar.
Their mission, eyewitnesses said, appeared to be specifically targeted at the judicial officer.
However, Mohammed Muktar reportedly noticed the approaching gunmen from a distance and acted swiftly, escaping through a window just moments before the bandits entered the courtroom.
A resident, who witnessed the incident, recounted the dramatic escape.
“The bandits entered the courtroom, shooting indiscriminately and repeatedly asking where the judge was. Fortunately, he had already escaped through the window, and a commercial motorcyclist helped him flee before they arrived.”
The witness explained that the timely intervention of the motorcyclist proved crucial in ensuring the judge escaped to safety before the armed men could locate him.
Another eyewitness revealed that the attackers became furious after discovering that their target had slipped away.
According to the resident, the gunmen reportedly threatened to kill the judge should he ever return to preside over court proceedings in the community, further heightening fears among residents already living under the shadow of recurring bandit attacks.
The latest assault has intensified concerns over the safety of judicial officers and the administration of justice in communities ravaged by insecurity, with many residents fearing that the attack could discourage court activities and further weaken access to justice in the area.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Katsina State Police Command were unsuccessful.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, could not be reached for comment, as telephone calls and text messages sent to him were not responded to.