Christian Widow Files Fundamental Rights Suit Over Alleged Forced Conversion, Detention of 17-Year-Old Daughter in Bauchi
Our Correspondent
A Jos-based Christian widow, Mrs. Kumabe Zakari, has dragged the Bauchi State Government, Bauchi State Shari’ah Commission and 5 others before the Federal High Court, Jos, over the alleged abduction, forced conversion to Islam and unlawful detention of her 17-year-old daughter, Miss Faith Barnabas.
In the suit filed on 29 June 2026, the applicant is seeking N150 million in damages, an order for the immediate release of the minor, and declarations that the alleged actions violate Sections 35, 37, 38 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution.
The respondents listed are: Police Service Commission, Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Command, Sadiq Ahmad Hassan, Bauchi State Government, Attorney General of Bauchi State, Bauchi State Shari’ah Commission, and Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency, BASOVCA.
According to the affidavit in support, Faith Barnabas, born 31 May 2009, went missing from her grandmother’s house in Bauchi in April 2026 after writing her UTME.
Mrs. Zakari alleged that the 3rd Respondent, Sadiq Ahmad Hassan, whom she described as Faith’s “acclaimed boyfriend,” lured the minor over several years and on 30 April 2026 whisked her away from Jos to an unknown destination.
She said police later tracked and arrested Hussaini, who revealed Faith’s location.
The applicant also alleged that on 20 April 2026, her mother received a letter from the Bauchi State Shari’ah Commission, the 6th Respondent, stating that Faith had converted to Islam and changed her name to Sa’adatu.
She further stated that despite an interim order of the Principal District Court, Bauchi dated 20 May 2026 directing Faith’s release to her, BASOVCA, the 7th Respondent, has refused to comply and has denied her access to her daughter.
She alleged that the same agency allows the 3rd Respondent access to the minor.
The applicant is asking the court for 13 reliefs, including declarations that, as a 17-year-old minor, Faith is under her mother’s direction regarding freedom of thought, conscience, and religion under Section 38.
She is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents, especially the Shari’ah Commission, from inviting her over the conversion issue, and an order directing BASOVCA to release Faith to her immediately.
In the alternative, she seeks N50 million damages against the Police Service Commission and N100 million jointly and severally against the Police, Bauchi State Government, AG, Shari’ah Commission and BASOVCA for “general and exemplary damages.”
In the written address, counsel for the applicant, Wholesome Attorneys, argued that Faith is a child under the Bauchi State Child Protection Law 2023 and therefore cannot validly consent to a change of religion without parental authority.
They cited Section 8 of the law which provides that “parents and, where applicable, legal guardians shall provide guidance and direction in the exercise of these rights” of freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
The lawyers relied on Incorp. Trustees, CAN v. Kwara State Govt (2020) on freedom of religion and Jim-Jaja v. C.O.P Rivers State (2013) on compensation for breach of fundamental rights.
“Unless this Honourable Court intervenes urgently, the minor will continue to suffer psychological harm, brainwashing, and a flagrant violation of her constitutional rights,” the address stated.
The matter comes up for hearing on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
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