How 14-Year-Old IDP Girl Was Starved, Burned and Beaten in Abuja Home of Judge’s Wife

What began as an escape from terror turned into a nightmare for 14-year-old Bashariya, a girl whose parents fled banditry in Zamfara State only to find new horrors in the Federal Capital Territory.

The family had sought refuge at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp near Gwiwa Eka. But in what appeared to be a glimmer of hope, Bashariya was taken to Abuja by Fauziya Zaki, wife of Barrister Abubakar Zaki, a judge in Sokoto State, who reportedly promised to care for her as a domestic helper.

Instead, the young girl was subjected to brutal abuse. According to disturbing reports and video evidence shared by family members, Fauziya allegedly starved Bashariya, beat her repeatedly, and in one of the most harrowing claims, bathed her with fire. The teenager was eventually rescued by neighbours, who reportedly intervened and offered emergency help.

The girl’s father, still shaken, described the alleged arrogance of Fauziya during a confrontation. “She told me there’s nothing anyone can do to her or her husband because they’re the highest authority,” he claimed.

Although the matter was not formally reported to the police initially, FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the Commissioner of Police has now ordered all Divisional Police Officers to trace and arrest the suspect.

Adeh warned against the exploitation and abuse of vulnerable children, especially those taken in as domestic staff. “He [the CP] strongly advises members of the public against acts of child abuse and emphasises that anyone who knows they are not capable of properly caring for a child should refrain from taking on such responsibility,” she said.

She further urged the public to be vigilant and report abuse swiftly: “When you see something, say something. Together, we can ensure the safety and wellbeing of every child in our communities.”