Despite a Federal High Court order for her immediate release to her mother, Mrs. Kumabe Zakari, 17-year-old Faith Barnabas remains in custody.
A Jos-based law firm, Wholesome Attorneys, has formally petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), alleging contempt of court. The petition focuses on the continued detention of 17-year-old Faith Barnabas, despite a clear judgment from the Federal High Court mandating her immediate release to her mother.
This legal challenge arises from Mrs. Kumabe Zakari’s allegations that her daughter was forcibly converted to Islam and subsequently abducted by Sadiq Ahmed Hussaini, with the alleged involvement of the Bauchi State Shari’ah Commission, all without her consent.
The ongoing legal battle has drawn significant attention, raising crucial questions about child protection laws, parental rights, and adherence to judicial directives in Nigeria, according to reporting by Punch Nigeria - Sports.
Allegations of Contempt and Child Protection Violations
Wholesome Attorneys, in their petition dated July 9, 2026, specifically addressed the Bauchi State Director of the DSS. They urged the security agency to ensure compliance with the Federal High Court, Jos Judicial Division’s judgment issued on July 6, 2026, which unequivocally ordered the teenager’s release to her widowed mother.
The legal team highlighted that Faith Barnabas is currently being held at the Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency (BASOVCA). This continued detention, they argue, directly contradicts existing court orders for her reunification with her family, contravening Section 8 of the Bauchi State Child Protection Law, 2023, which affirms parental authority over a minor’s religious and welfare decisions. Lawyers quoted the petition stating, “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.”
The Timeline of Events Leading to Detention
The sequence of events began in April 2026 with the alleged forceful conversion of Faith. Following this, Mrs. Zakari initially managed to regain custody of her daughter and relocated with her to Jos. However, the legal practitioners allege that Sadiq Ahmed Hussaini tracked Faith to Jos on April 30 and abducted her to an undisclosed location.
The petition stated: “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.” Although the Bauchi State Police Command later located Hussaini and recovered the teenager, Faith was controversially transferred to BASOVCA instead of being released to her mother.
Despite Hussaini facing trial before a Principal District Court in Bauchi on charges including conspiracy and abduction, he was allegedly granted access to Faith, while her mother and other relatives were reportedly denied similar visitation rights.
Court Orders Disregarded by Authorities
The solicitors lamented that BASOVCA subsequently failed to comply with an interim order from the Principal District Court, which had directed Faith's release to her mother. This repeated non-compliance prompted Wholesome Attorneys to file a fundamental rights enforcement suit before the Federal High Court in Jos, culminating in the July 6, 2026 order for Faith’s immediate release.
Mrs. Zakari has reportedly endured significant emotional trauma due to her daughter’s continued disappearance, separation, and detention. The law firm is now urging the DSS to intervene and ensure the Federal High Court’s judgment is respected, facilitating Faith's immediate reunification with her family.
Widespread Condemnation and Calls for Action
The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Billiri Local Government Area Chapter, Gombe State, has also condemned the persistent disobedience to the Federal High Court judgment. In a statement issued on August 2, 2026, signed by Chairman Sarki Napthali, YOWICAN expressed deep concern over Faith’s continued custody, labeling it an “affront to the rule of law and the authority of the judiciary.”
YOWICAN explicitly stated, “Despite the judgment the Federal High Court delivered on July 6 ordering Faith’s immediate release to her mother, the Bauchi State Government and BASOVCA have failed to obey the court’s directive as of August 2.” The group argues that the teenager's ongoing detention violates constitutional provisions concerning personal liberty, family life, and freedom of religion, along with the Child Rights Act and the Bauchi State Child Protection Law. They further cited international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
YOWICAN has called on the Bauchi State Government and BASOVCA to comply with the Federal High Court’s judgment. They also urged the Attorney General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, and other security agencies to ensure the order is enforced, demanding contempt proceedings against any officials or institutions deliberately defying the court’s directive. The organization additionally seeks the nullification of documents allegedly used to alter Faith’s name and religion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Faith Barnabas?
Faith Barnabas is a 17-year-old Nigerian teenager whose continued detention and alleged forced religious conversion have become the subject of a significant legal and human rights dispute.
What are the core allegations in Faith Barnabas's case?
The case involves allegations of Faith Barnabas being forcibly converted to Islam without her mother's consent, subsequently abducted, and then unlawfully detained by state agencies despite multiple court orders for her release.
Which legal bodies have issued orders regarding Faith Barnabas?
Both the Principal District Court in Bauchi and the Federal High Court, Jos Judicial Division, have issued orders for Faith Barnabas's release to her mother, Mrs. Kumabe Zakari.
What is the role of the Department of State Services (DSS) in this matter?
The DSS has been petitioned by Wholesome Attorneys, alleging contempt of court due to Faith Barnabas's continued detention. The law firm is urging the DSS to intervene and ensure compliance with the Federal High Court's judgment.
What laws are allegedly being violated in Faith Barnabas's continued detention?
Her continued custody allegedly violates provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Child Rights Act, and the Bauchi State Child Protection Law, 2023, as well as international human rights instruments recognizing personal liberty, family life, and freedom of religion.