A Bauchi State High Court has summoned the Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdulrazak Zaki, and the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Auwal, to explain why they should not be jailed for allegedly defying a court order.
In a ruling dated January 24, 2025, Justice Mukhtar Abubakar warned that failure to comply with the court’s directives could result in contempt charges and imprisonment.
He stated, “Take notice that unless you obey the direction contained in the order of this honourable court holden at Bauchi, you will be guilty of contempt, and you will be liable to be committed to prison.”
The case, filed under suit number BA/1189/2023 by plaintiff Iklima Soro, accuses the Commissioner of Police of using officers to harass and intimidate her despite a court ruling ordering both parties to maintain the status quo. Additionally, Abdulrazak Nuhu is alleged to have hired thugs to invade his ex-wife’s residence, violating an existing court order.
According to The Punch, the dispute centers on a custody battle over their daughter, which escalated when Nuhu allegedly intercepted a school bus on January 20, 2025, in Bauchi’s GRA area. He is accused of abducting their 8-year-old daughter, Zainab, using a vehicle with covered plates and masked security operatives, leaving other children traumatized.
Two weeks after the alleged abduction, the child’s whereabouts remain unknown, and her mother has received no information.
In response, the court has charged the two officials with contempt, paving the way for potential legal consequences.
