02/05/2026
PLATEAU STATE YOUTH COUNCIL CONDEMNS THE ABDUCTION AND FORCEFUL CONVERSION OF MISS JINKAI YUSUF SIMON, DEMANDS URGENT ACTION
Saturday 2nd May, 2026
The attention of the leadership of the Plateau State Youth Council has been drawn to a verified and deeply troubling report concerning the forceful abduction and alleged religious coercion of one of our own, Miss Jinkai Yusuf Simon, in Kuregu, Zaria, Kaduna State.
Miss Jinkai Yusuf Simon is a 17-year-old student, born into the family of Mr. Yusuf Simon, an indigene of Danchor, Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State, and currently resident in Banki, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Prior to this unfortunate incident, she was living with her elder sister, Miss Jennifer Yusuf Simon, in Kuregu, Zaria LGA, where she is a Senior Secondary School 1(SS1) student of St. Bartholomew’s Secondary School, Wusasa, Zaria.
Available information at the disposal of the Plateau State Youth Council Leadership indicates that Miss Jinkai left home for school but failed to return. Days later, her school bag was discovered in the possession of a minor reportedly linked to one Rukkaya, a neighbour who initially denied knowledge of her whereabouts but later disclosed that Jinkai had been in communication with a man identified as Abdulsamad.
Further disturbing revelations include photographic evidence of the minor dressed in a hijab with Rukkaya, alongside alleged court affidavits originating from Kano State, suggesting that her identity had been altered to “Aisha Sani” and “Aisha Abdulsamad,” with a corresponding adjustment of her age.
The Plateau State Youth Council strongly condemns this reprehensible act, which constitutes a gross violation of fundamental human rights. This includes, but is not limited to:
Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
Section 34, which guarantees the right to dignity of the human person and prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment.
Section 35, which guarantees the right to personal liberty and protects citizens from unlawful detention or abduction.
Additionally, this act is in clear violation of Section 27, Part III of the Child Rights Act (2003), which prohibits the unlawful removal of a child from the custody of their parents or guardians.
In light of the foregoing, the Plateau State Youth Council makes the following demands:
An immediate and thorough investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the Nigerian Police Force.
Swift action to secure the rescue, protection, rehabilitation, and safe reunification of Miss Jinkai Yusuf Simon with her family.
The prompt identification, arrest, and prosecution of all individuals involved in this criminal act, to ensure justice is served and to deter future occurrences.
This case bears the clear markings of child trafficking, exploitation, and abuse. As a minor, Miss Jinkai cannot legally give informed consent, and any attempt to manipulate her identity, age, or religious affiliation constitutes a grave injustice that must not be tolerated.
We also call on the good people of Plateau State and Nigerians at large to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our children and communities against such acts.
The Plateau State Youth Council reaffirms it commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and future of every young person, and we will continue to pursue justice until Miss Jinkai is safely returned.
Bahal Nanpyal Mark
Public Relations Officer
Plateau State Youth Council
For
Panan Gongden Dapar
Chairman, Plateau State Youth Council