A Jos-based law firm, Wholesome Attorneys, has petitioned the Department of State Services over the alleged continued detention of the 17-year-old Faith Barnabas despite a Federal High Court’s judgment directing that she be released to her mother, Mrs Kumabe Zakari.
The petition, dated July 9, 2026, addressed to the Bauchi State Director of the DSS, and which copy was obtained by Arewa PUNCH on Thursday urged the security agency to ensure compliance with the July 6 judgment of the Federal High Court, Jos Judicial Division, which ordered the immediate release of the teenager to her widowed mother.
The petition followed allegations by Zakari that her daughter was forcibly converted to Islam by one Sadiq Ahmed Hussaini with the involvement of the Bauchi State Shari’ah Commission without her consent.
The lawyers alleged that the action contravened Section 8 of the Bauchi State Child Protection Law, 2023, which, according to them, recognises parental authority over decisions concerning a minor’s religion and welfare.
The solicitors further alleged that Faith was being kept at the Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency despite existing court orders directing that she be reunited with her family.
