TDConcern is mounting in Numan, Adamawa State, following allegations of abduction and forceful religious conversion involving Miss Nancy Ishaya, a young university student who has been missing since November 2025.
Nancy Ishaya, the first child of Mr. Ishaya Ishaku and Mrs. Mary Ishaya, both employees of Dangote Savannah Sugar Refinery in Numan, reportedly left her family residence on 17 November 2025 to complete her registration formalities at Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi, after securing provisional admission.
According to her family, she maintained contact and last spoke with her mother on 26 November 2025, assuring her that she would return home later that day.
Since that conversation, she has not returned, and repeated efforts to reach her via telephone have been unsuccessful.
Her sudden disappearance has generated deep concern among family members, church leaders, and civil society groups, particularly in light of subsequent developments suggesting possible coercion.
Prime Suspect Identified by Family
The Ishaya family has identified Mallam Adamu Garba, a truck driver at Dangote Savannah Sugar Refinery and their immediate neighbour within the company’s staff quarters, as the prime suspect in the matter.
According to the family, prior to Nancy’s disappearance, Mallam Adamu Garba had approached Nancy’s uncle with a marriage proposal.
The family rejected the proposal, citing the significant age difference between him and Nancy, reportedly stating that he was even older than Nancy’s father.
Nancy herself is said to have declined his advances.
Three days after Nancy was declared missing, her wrapper and mobile phone were discovered in front of her parents’ residence.
Family members who examined the recovered phone reportedly found that most messages and stored information had been deleted.
However, received call logs allegedly showed multiple calls from Mallam Adamu Garba in the days preceding her disappearance.
The matter was subsequently reported to the Savannah Police Station in Numan.
However, the family says they have not received satisfactory updates on investigative progress.
Alleged Religious Conversion and Contact from Niger State
The situation took a more troubling turn when the family reportedly received telephone calls from individuals claiming to represent the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) in Niger State.
According to the family, the callers stated that Nancy was in their custody and had converted to Islam.
On 2 February 2026, Mallam Adamu Garba allegedly contacted Nancy’s mother and briefly connected her to Nancy via telephone.
During the short conversation, Nancy reportedly appeared distressed and unable to speak freely before the call abruptly ended.
This interaction intensified fears about her safety and whether she is acting of her own free will.
Civil Society Intervention and Confrontation
The case was later brought to the attention of GPI, a civil society organisation based in Yola.
Representatives of the organisation reportedly visited the Dangote Savannah Sugar Refinery premises.
There they met with Nancy’s parents and Rev. Bulus Musa, the ECWA pastor in charge of the church Nancy attends and serves in as a choir member.
Following preliminary discussions, the delegation proceeded to the residence of Mallam Adamu Garba within the staff quarters.
Initially, he reportedly denied knowledge of Nancy’s whereabouts.
However, after being informed that evidence allegedly linked him to her disappearance and that he had 24 hours to facilitate her return, he is said to have changed his position.
According to those present, he acknowledged being in contact with Nancy but claimed she was unwilling to return home.
He reportedly suggested arranging a neutral location for a meeting, asserting that Nancy would not voluntarily return directly to her parents.
The delegation insisted on her immediate and unconditional return.
Rev. Bulus Musa later disclosed that, for the first time since the incident, Mallam Adamu visited him and assured him that Nancy would soon return home.
He reportedly stated that he had sent her money for transportation but that her return was delayed because she was hospitalised in Jimeta and undergoing intravenous treatment.
However, no independent medical confirmation has been provided to Nancy’s parents regarding her condition, diagnosis, or location.
Human Rights and Legal Concerns
The case has raised serious concerns about potential violations of fundamental rights, including:
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Possible abduction or unlawful confinement
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Alleged coercion or undue influence
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Freedom of movement
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Freedom of religion
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Right to personal liberty
These rights are guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Legal analysts note that any forced religious conversion, unlawful detention, or marriage arrangement without free and informed consent would constitute grave violations under Nigerian law.
Civil society observers have also expressed concern over the alleged deletion of phone data and the unexplained delay in investigative progress.
Calls for Immediate Action
Stakeholders have called for urgent intervention by relevant authorities to ensure transparency and accountability. Specific demands include:
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A thorough and independent investigation by the Adamawa State Police Command
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Direct verification of Nancy’s current location and health condition
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Assurance that she is not under duress and that any religious decision was made voluntarily
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Monitoring and intervention by the National Human Rights Commission
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Full cooperation from Dangote Savannah Sugar Refinery with investigative authorities
Community leaders stress that the case must be handled with sensitivity to prevent religious or communal tensions while ensuring justice and protection of constitutional rights.
Community Tension and Awaited Developments
The case has generated widespread concern within Numan and beyond, particularly among religious communities and student groups.
Residents are urging calm while calling for transparency from security agencies.
As of the time of filing this report, Nancy Ishaya has not been physically reunited with her family, and independent confirmation of her health status and circumstances remains pending.
Authorities are being urged to act swiftly to clarify the situation, safeguard Nancy’s welfare, and uphold the rule of law.
Further developments are expected as investigations continue.
