Police probe identity of girl in custody

n n

The Bauchi State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the identity and custody of a girl identified as Jennifer Joseph, who is also reportedly claiming Fatima as her Islamic name.

n

The command was reacting to a series of social media posts concerning the custody of the girl.

n

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday.

n

Habib said the girl was found in Bauchi and reported to the ‘E’ Divisional Police Headquarters, Yelwa, where she was identified during investigation as a student who allegedly ran away from Bishara Dole Missionary School, Yelwa.

n

The Police image maker explained, “To set the record straight, the child in question was found in Bauchi and reported to ‘E’ Divisional Police Headquarters, Yelwa, Bauchi.

n

“During investigation, she was identified as a student who ran away from Bishara Dole Missionary School, Yelwa. She stated that she hails from Adamawa State and claimed to have converted to Islam in Adamawa through her grandmother, before being brought to the said school by an individual.”

n

The PPRO further clarified that following a request by the girl’s parents and the Da’awah Committee, she was temporarily placed in the custody of the Bauchi State Orphanage and Vulnerable Children Agency.

n

He added, “This arrangement was made to ensure neutral custody pending the conclusion of investigations.”

n

According to him, both parties have been directed to appear before the command on Monday, August 24, 2026, for the continuation of the investigation.

n

He said, “Both parties have been directed to report to the Command on Monday, 24th August, 2026 for the continuation of the investigation.”

n

The command urged members of the public to desist from circulating unverified information concerning the matter, warning that such actions could jeopardise the investigation and undermine the relative peace in the state.

n

The police statement read in parts, “The Command strongly advises members of the public to desist from circulating unverified statements on matters under investigation. Such actions are capable of jeopardising the outcome of the case and breaching the relative peace currently being enjoyed in the state.”

n

The police also appealed to concerned citizens to exercise restraint, stressing that the investigation was still ongoing.

n

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting the lives and property of citizens.

n

He said the police remained committed to ensuring the safety of all residents, while commending the leadership of both faith groups for the maturity, cooperation and understanding they had demonstrated during the investigation.

n

The commissioner said, “It remains the mandate of the Nigeria Police Force to protect the lives and property of all citizens and ensure their safety.

n

“The maturity, cooperation, understanding and respect being displayed by the leadership of both faith groups in the course of the investigation,” the statement pointed out.

n n