Bauchi court threatens jail for CP, commissioner over contempt

The Bauchi State High Court has ordered the state’s Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdulrazak Zaki, and the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Auwal, to explain why they should not be jailed for allegedly violating its orders.

In a ruling dated January 24, 2025, Justice Mukhtar Abubakar warned both officials against disregarding the court’s directive, stating, “Unless you obey the direction contained in the order of this honourable court, you will be guilty of contempt and liable to imprisonment.”

The case, filed under suit number BA/1189/2023, was brought by Iklima Soro, who accused the police commissioner of using officers to harass and intimidate her despite a court ruling ordering all parties to maintain the status quo.

She also alleged that Abdulrazak Nuhu hired thugs to invade her home and later abducted their eight-year-old daughter, Zainab, on January 20, 2025.

According to Soro, the child was taken from a school bus by masked security agents using a vehicle with covered plates.

The abduction, which occurred in the GRA area of Bauchi, reportedly left other children traumatized. Two weeks later, the child remains missing, and her mother has no knowledge of her whereabouts.

Angered by the alleged disobedience, the court has accused Zaki and Auwal of contempt, with possible legal consequences pending further proceedings.