Bauchi Commissioner Abdulrazak Zaki Denies Abduction Allegations, Claims Legal Custody of Daughter
Child Custody Dispute Escalates Amid Legal Battles
The Bauchi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdulrazak Zaki, has refuted allegations of abducting his daughter, insisting that he legally assumed custody based on multiple court rulings. The controversy began when his ex-wife, Iklima Manu Soro, petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), alleging that their daughter was forcibly taken by masked policemen on January 20, 2025. (Punch)
Zaki’s Defense: Court Judgments Granted Custody
Addressing the allegations, Zaki clarified that his actions were lawful.
“I did not kidnap nor abduct her; I only enforced the various judgments of the courts and the Shariah Commission. Zainab Nuhu Zaki is my biological daughter, and I have every right over her,” he stated, as reported by Tribune.
According to Zaki, he obtained custody rulings from three different courts, yet was denied access to his daughter. He asserted that his decision to take custody was in line with legal and religious directives, and he has since enrolled her in a boarding school alongside her siblings. (Independent)
Legal Implications and Court Proceedings
The dispute has now escalated into a legal battle, with the Bauchi State High Court initiating contempt proceedings against Zaki and the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police for allegedly violating court orders on the child’s custody.
This case highlights the complexities of child custody disputes in Nigeria, particularly where multiple court rulings and religious laws intersect. As legal proceedings unfold, observers are closely watching for a resolution that balances parental rights and judicial authority. (Punch)
