Sahara Reporters has taken to it’s official X handle and announced that, a gut-wrenching tale of abuse, power, and impunity has ignited public outrage in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, as police intensify efforts to arrest Fauziya Zaki—the wife of a prominent Sokoto judge—accused of subjecting a 14-year-old maid to horrifying cruelty.
The victim, Bashariya, a vulnerable teenager displaced by violence in Zamfara State, had been entrusted into Fauziya’s care under the guise of providing a better life in Abuja. Instead, what followed was a terrifying descent into abuse, starvation, and physical torment.
According to viral videos and chilling eyewitness accounts, Fauziya not only denied the young girl food but went as far as bathing her with fire, leaving Bashariya with grievous burns and psychological scars. Her frail body and silent cries for help caught the attention of compassionate neighbors, who bravely intervened and rushed her to safety.
Speaking to reporters, Bashariya’s heartbroken father revealed that the suspect boasted of being untouchable, allegedly saying that no law enforcement agency could touch her or her husband, Barrister Abbakar Zaki, a sitting judge in Sokoto. “She told me, ‘Do your worst. We are the law in this country,’” he recounted with pain.
This sickening display of impunity has sparked widespread calls for justice, with human rights groups and citizens demanding immediate action.
When contacted, FCT Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh confirmed that the matter was not initially reported to the police but has since gained their full attention. She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police has ordered all divisional heads in the Federal Capital Territory to track down and arrest the suspect without delay.
“The Commissioner has taken this matter seriously. Every available unit is working to ensure that justice is served. No one is above the law,” SP Adeh stated.
She also issued a stern warning to Nigerians who exploit underage children as domestic workers:
“We urge members of the public to refrain from engaging minors as housemaids, especially when they lack the means or maturity to care for them. Child abuse is a crime, and ignorance or status will not be an excuse.”
SP Adeh further encouraged citizens to report abuse or suspicious behavior promptly.
> “When you see something, say something. The safety and dignity of every child must be protected. This is not just a police matter—it’s a moral one.”
As the search for Fauziya intensifies, civil society groups are demanding swift prosecution, not only of the alleged abuser but also of anyone who may attempt to obstruct justice. For young Bashariya, the scars may never fully fade—but justice may offer a glimmer of healing.
This case has once again laid bare the dark underbelly of domestic servitude, class oppression, and the abuse of power in Nigeria. As Nigerians await justice, one thing is clear: the cries of the powerless must never be ignored.
PIONEER NEWS 