Bauchi Commissioner Denies Allegations of Abducting His Daughter

alphamedia24
0

Bauchi Commissioner Denies Allegations of Abducting His Daughter

By Khalid Idris Doya

The Bauchi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Abdulrazak Nuhu Zaki, has strongly denied allegations of abducting his daughter, Zainab Nuhu Zaki, calling the claims baseless and unfounded.

The accusations were made by Iklima Manu Soro, Zainab’s mother, who, through her lawyer, Barrister Mwansat M. Hirse, petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) alleging that Hon. Zaki forcefully took custody of their daughter despite having abandoned her for nine years.

Commissioner’s Defense

Speaking to journalists, Hon. Zaki refuted the claims, questioning how a father could be accused of abducting his own biological daughter. He asserted that he had legally obtained three separate court rulings granting him custody of Zainab.

He explained that he had been married to Zainab’s mother under Islamic law but was forced to divorce her due to family interference, particularly from her brother, Mansur Manu Soro, a member of the House of Representatives. Despite efforts by his former father-in-law to reconcile them, the marriage ended, leading to a custody battle over their daughter.

Hon. Zaki stated that Zainab had willingly chosen to stay with him and her siblings after her mother remarried and that she is currently enrolled in a boarding school.

"I have done nothing wrong. I am simply ensuring my daughter’s well-being, and I will continue to protect her within the boundaries of the law," he said.

Mother’s Claims and Legal Battle

However, Iklima Manu Soro’s lawyer insists the matter is still in litigation. The petition alleges that Hon. Zaki violated a Bauchi State High Court ruling, which ordered both parties to maintain the status quo until a final verdict.

Barrister Hirse also accused Hon. Zaki of using police operatives to forcefully take Zainab from her grandfather’s home and of leading a violent invasion of the late Alhaji Manu Soro’s family residence in December 2024.

Additionally, the petition details an alleged abduction incident on January 21, 2025, where Hon. Zaki reportedly orchestrated Zainab’s forced removal while she was on her way to school.

Legal and Political Reactions

When contacted, Mansur Manu Soro, Zainab’s uncle and a federal lawmaker, distanced himself from the dispute, stating that the case was already before a court of law and that he would not comment further.

Meanwhile, the petitioners are urging the IGP to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure legal action against Hon. Zaki.

"We respectfully urge the authorities to investigate this matter and ensure justice is served," the petition reads.

As the legal battle continues, all eyes remain on the Sharia Court of Appeal and other relevant authorities to determine the final outcome of the custody dispute.

Post a Comment

0Comments
Post a Comment (0)
To Top