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The family of a 15-year-old Christian girl from Kano State alleges that she was abducted by local youths and coerced into converting to Islam, with claims pointing to the involvement of regional religious authorities.
Disappearance of Teenage Girl Raises Alarm in Kano State
The sudden vanishing of Ummi Tambaya, a 15-year-old girl from Kadafa Bari District in Rogo Local Government Area, has deeply unsettled her family and community. Ummi, who is known to have mental health challenges, has been missing since December 1, 2025.
According to relatives, Ummi was forcibly taken by several young men from her neighborhood who had persistently sought her hand in marriage despite her refusals. The family further accuses local religious leaders of facilitating her forced conversion to Islam.
Allegations of Forced Conversion and Custody by Religious Authorities
Pastor Kabiru Usman, actively involved in the search for Ummi, disclosed that she is reportedly being held by the Hisbah Commander of Rogo, Malam Sani, who is allegedly pressuring her to embrace Islam.
“After thorough investigations, we discovered that Ummi is under the custody of Malam Sani, who is overseeing her conversion,” Pastor Usman revealed.
The pastor also identified individuals purportedly linked to the abduction: Abba Sheshu, Mansir Surajo, and Tasiu Bello. He emphasized that Ummi was detained for an entire month without receiving any medical attention for her mental health condition.
Despite interventions from the Rogo Divisional Police Officer, Suleiman Ibrahim, and the local district head, Umar Abdulkadir, the Hisbah Commander has reportedly refused to release Ummi.
Concerns Over Law Enforcement and Calls for Justice
Pastor Usman criticized the Kano State Department of State Services (DSS) for their inaction, alleging that an officer demanded a bribe of N20,000 under the guise of covering fuel expenses for personnel.
“It is disappointing that the DSS has not taken decisive steps. Instead, we faced demands for money from their officers,” he lamented.
The family is distraught and fears that the perpetrators may evade justice, especially as there have been at least five similar cases of forced religious conversions of girls in the region in recent months.
“We urgently call on authorities to intervene. The family is traumatized and uncertain about Ummi’s wellbeing. We fear the culprits will escape accountability,” Pastor Usman appealed.
Family’s Perspective and the Impact on Ummi
Shamsu Tambaya, a relative, provided a detailed narrative of the events leading to Ummi’s disappearance. He recounted that a young man from the community, previously trusted by the family, secretly influenced Ummi, causing her to disregard her family’s advice.
“He communicated with her covertly, and she gradually stopped listening to anyone but him,” Shamsu explained.
Ummi was reportedly moved between several locations before being taken to the Hisbah Commander’s custody. Malam Sani allegedly told the family that Ummi was in a place better than her home.
Shamsu firmly denied rumors suggesting Ummi had reached out to any human rights organizations. “I swear by God, she has no knowledge of such groups,” he asserted.
The family reported the incident to the Rogo police and later to the Kano State Police Headquarters. However, they claim the police demanded N20,000 for transportation costs, and no meaningful progress was made.
“The officer told me I had to pay N20,000 for transport, but nothing came of it,” Shamsu said.
Emphasizing Ummi’s vulnerability, he highlighted her age and mental health condition. “She is only 15 years old, not legally capable of changing her religion, and her mental illness affects her understanding,” he stressed.
Shamsu urged government officials to take immediate action to ensure Ummi’s safe return. “We call on the government to investigate this matter thoroughly and bring our daughter back. Her religion should not be altered at her age, especially considering her mental health,” he pleaded.
Response from the Hisbah Commander
When contacted, Malam Sani, the Hisbah Commander of Rogo, requested the name of the complainant and declined to provide further details over the phone. He insisted that inquiries be made in person at his Kano office, despite being informed that the reporter was based in Abuja.
Context and Broader Implications
This case highlights ongoing tensions in Kano State, where reports of forced religious conversions have increased. According to recent data from local human rights organizations, at least five similar incidents have been documented in the past six months alone, raising concerns about religious freedom and the protection of vulnerable individuals in the region.
The situation underscores the urgent need for transparent investigations and stronger protections for minors, especially those with mental health challenges, to prevent exploitation and uphold their rights.
