YOWICAN Condemns Bauchi Govt over Detention of 17-Year-old Despite Court Order
- Demands immediate release of Faith Barnabas, cites contempt of court, Child Rights Violations
By Our Correspondent
The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, YOWICAN, Billiri LGA chapter, has condemned the continued detention of Miss Faith Barnabas, a 17-year-old Christian minor, by Bauchi State authorities despite a Federal High Court order for her release.
In a statement issued on Saturday, YOWICAN described the action as “contempt of court” and a violation of the rule of law, the 1999 Constitution, and Child Protection Laws.
According to YOWICAN, Faith Barnabas, an indigene of Billiri LGA in Gombe State, went missing from her grandmother’s residence in Bauchi State in April 2026 after completing her university entrance examinations.
Her mother and sole surviving parent, Mrs. Kumabe Zakari, alleged in a Fundamental Rights Suit filed on June 29, 2026, at the Federal High Court, Jos, that Mr. Sadiq Ahmad Hassan, an adult male, allegedly removed the minor from Jos to an undisclosed location on April 30, 2026, after years of grooming her.
On April 20, 2026, the family said it received a letter from the Bauchi State Shari’ah Commission stating that the minor had converted to Islam and adopted the name “Sa’adatu.”
Instead of being returned to her mother, Faith was placed in the custody of the Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency, BASOVCA.
YOWICAN said an interim order by a Bauchi District Court on May 20, 2026, directing her release to her mother was allegedly ignored by BASOVCA, which also barred the mother from access.
Respondents in the suit include the Bauchi State Government, Attorney General, Shari’ah Commission, BASOVCA, the Nigeria Police, and Mr. Sadiq Ahmad Hassan.
On July 6, 2026, the Federal High Court, Jos Division, delivered judgment and ordered the immediate release of Miss Faith Barnabas to her mother, Mrs. Kumabe Zakari.
However, as of August 2, 2026, YOWICAN said the Bauchi State Government and BASOVCA have “failed, refused, and neglected to comply” with the binding order.
YOWICAN said the continued detention violates Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution on Personal Liberty; Section 37 on Right to Family Life; and Section 38(1) on Freedom of Religion.
It also cited the Child Rights Act, 2003 and the Bauchi State Child Protection Law, 2023, which define a child as anyone under 18 and vest parental guardianship with the parent.
The group further referenced international law, including Article 18 of the UDHR and ICCPR, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
YOWICAN noted the case reflects a broader pattern raised by civil society and in a communication by UN Special Rapporteurs to the Government of Nigeria dated June 8, 2026, on alleged abductions and forced conversions of Christian minors in northern Nigeria.
The group demanded the immediate release of Faith Barnabas to her mother in compliance with the July 6 court judgment.
It also called on the Attorney General of the Federation, Inspector General of Police, and other security agencies to enforce the order.
“We call on the Federal Government, NHRC, diplomatic missions, UN agencies, and all people of goodwill to speak out,” the statement said.
“The failure to release Faith Barnabas undermines democracy, the independence of the judiciary, and the protection of children in Nigeria.”
YOWICAN pledged solidarity with Mrs. Zakari and said it would pursue all legal remedies to ensure justice.
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