By Beatrice Earland
The family of 17-year-old Miss Jinkai Yusuf Simon has called for urgent intervention by security agencies, child protection authorities, and human rights organisations following her alleged abduction and suspected forced Islamisation.
Jinkai, a Christian minor and SS1 student of St. Bartholomew’s Secondary School, Wusasa, Zaria, Kaduna State, reportedly went missing on March 9, 2026, after leaving home for school but failing to return.
According to the family, Jinkai was residing with her elder sister, Miss Jennifer Yusuf Simon, in Kuregu, Zaria Local Government Area, at the time of her disappearance.
Jennifer disclosed that initial concerns arose when Jinkai failed to return from school, prompting a frantic search.
Suspicion deepened after a neighbour reported seeing the family’s young niece carrying Jinkai’s school bag to the residence of her friend, identified as Rukkayya.
Jinkai in light brown, the Christian minor and SS1 student at the Kano State Hisbah Board.
Further investigations allegedly revealed that Jinkai had taken most of her personal belongings, indicating possible premeditated plans.
Jennifer’s inquiries reportedly uncovered Jinkai’s alleged communication with a man identified as “Abdulsamad,” who initially admitted to being her boyfriend before later giving conflicting identities and denying involvement.
School authorities confirmed that Jinkai attended school on the day of her disappearance but reportedly left shortly after examinations began, claiming she would return. She did not.
Classmates reportedly informed the family that Jinkai had spoken of having a Muslim boyfriend and had expressed intentions of relocating to Kano.
Jinkai, in light brown and the friend, in green, who was used to lure her into the trap of a Muslim man
The matter was escalated to community, religious, and traditional leaders in Wusasa, including local chiefs and church authorities, while the Department of State Services (DSS) was also involved. Despite these interventions, the family says no concrete resolution has been achieved.
Adding to their distress, the family was allegedly presented with photographs showing Jinkai dressed in Islamic attire, alongside documents said to have originated from Kano State, where her name was reportedly changed to “Aisha Sani” or “Aisha Abdulsamad.”
The first document shows how her name was falsified through an affidavit and a change of age, with the names of her sister and parents as those who consented to the illegal marriage.
The documents allegedly indicate altered age records, a Muslim guardian, and marriage claims, raising serious concerns over identity manipulation, possible coercion, and violations of child protection laws.
The family described the situation as traumatic and emotionally devastating, stressing that their daughter’s rights, welfare, and religious freedom must be protected.
The second document indicates an affidavit showing a change of age to enforce an illegal marriage.
They are now calling on the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, child rights agencies, religious leaders, and civil society groups to urgently investigate the matter, secure Jinkai’s safe return, and ensure justice is served.
The case has sparked broader concerns over child safety, parental rights, and the protection of minors from unlawful coercion or exploitation.
