Christian Widow Denied Access to Daughter Despite Federal Court Order
• Petition to DSS Over Alleged Forced Conversion Remains Unanswered One Month after
By Our Correspondent
A Christian widow who sued the Bauchi State Government over the alleged forced conversion and detention of her 17-year-old daughter says she is still being denied access to the child, despite a subsisting order of the Federal High Court directing her release.
One month after petitioning the Department of State Services, DSS, Bauchi Command for urgent intervention, Mrs. Kumabe Zakari says she has received no response.
In a letter dated 9th July, 2026 and signed by S.D. Maren, Esq. of Wholesome Attorneys, Mrs. Zakari accused the Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency, BASOVCA, of unlawfully detaining her daughter, Miss Faith Barnabas, in defiance of court orders.
According to the petition, Faith, a secondary school student, was allegedly converted to Islam in April 2026 by Sadiq Ahmed Hassan, “with the active assistance of the Bauchi State Shari’ah Commission,” and without parental consent as required under Section 8(1) & (2) of the Bauchi State Child Protection Law, 2023.
The lawyers stated that after the incident, Mrs. Zakari retrieved her daughter from the Shari’ah Commission and relocated with her to Jos, Plateau State. On 30th April, 2026, the petition alleges, Sadiq traced them to Jos and abducted Faith. The Bauchi State Police Command later tracked and produced the girl, but instead of releasing her to her mother, directed that she be placed in BASOVCA’s custody.
The petition further alleged that while in BASOVCA’s custody, officials granted access to Sadiq, who is currently standing trial before the Principal District Court, Bauchi for Conspiracy and Abduction — while denying access to the mother and her relatives.
A Bauchi District Court had earlier issued an interim order for Faith’s release to her mother. BASOVCA allegedly refused to comply.
Following BASOVCA’s non-compliance, Mrs. Zakari filed a fundamental rights suit at the Federal High Court, Jos Judicial Division via Suit No. FHC/J/CS/66/2026 – Mrs. Kumabe Zakari v. The Police Service Commission & 6 Ors.
On 6th July, 2026, the court issued an interim order directing the immediate release of Miss Faith Barnabas to her mother.
In the 9th July letter to the DSS, counsel said BASOVCA had “a penchant for disobeying court orders” and urged the security agency to enforce the judgment.
“We humbly write to your good office requesting your kind assistance in the enforcement of the order of the Federal High Court by ensuring the immediate release of Miss Faith Barnabas to her widowed mother who has been in distress and emotional trauma ever since this incident happened,” the letter stated.
Copies of the Federal High Court order and the Originating Motion dated 29th June, 2026, were attached. The National Human Rights Commission, Bauchi State, was also copied.
Counsel argued that the continued detention violates Sections 35, 37 and 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution on personal liberty, family life, and freedom of religion, as well as the Child Rights Act 2003 and Bauchi State Child Protection Law 2023.
Both laws define a child as anyone under 18 and vest parental guardianship in parents for decisions on religion and welfare.
Four weeks after the petition was submitted to the Bauchi DSS Command and to the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Bauchi office, neither agency has publicly responded.
The case has reignited debate in Nigeria over underage religious conversion, parental rights, and compliance with court orders by state institutions.
As of press time, BASOVCA and the Bauchi State Government had not issued an official response. The Federal High Court matter has been adjourned to a later date.
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