Lawyers write DSS alleging contempt of court in Bauchi teenager’s case

A Jos-based law firm, Wholesome Attorneys, has formally petitioned Nigeria's Department of State Services (DSS). The firm alleges that a 17-year-old girl, Faith Barnabas, remains in detention despite a Federal High Court order on July 6 mandating her immediate release to her mother, Mrs. Kumabe Zakari.

The petition, dated July 9, 2026, and addressed to the Bauchi State Director of the DSS, highlights allegations of the teenager's forced conversion to Islam by Sadiq Ahmed Hussaini, with the alleged involvement of the Bauchi State Shari’ah Commission. Lawyers argue this action contravenes Section 8 of the Bauchi State Child Protection Law, 2023, which upholds parental authority over a minor's religious choices.

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Faith is being unlawfully held at the Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency, despite subsisting court orders directing that she be reunited with her family.

According to the petition, Faith was allegedly abducted by Hussaini on April 30 after her mother had initially regained custody and relocated to Jos. Although the Bauchi State Police Command later recovered the teenager, she was reportedly transferred to the Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency (BASOVCA) instead of being returned to her mother. Lawyers claim BASOVCA failed to comply with a prior court order for her release, prompting the fundamental rights enforcement suit that led to the Federal High Court's judgment.

The law firm implored the DSS to intervene and ensure the court's directive is followed, facilitating the teenager's reunification with her family. The petition also notes that Hussaini, despite facing trial for conspiracy and abduction, allegedly has access to the teenager, while her family is denied similar access.

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Following the alleged conversion in April 2026, Mrs Zakari initially regained custody of her daughter and relocated with her to Jos. However, on April 30, Sadiq Ahmed Hussaini tracked the teenager to Jos and abducted her to an undisclosed location.