Seventeen-year-old Jinkai Yusuf Simon has been reported missing after she left for St. Bartholomew's Secondary School in Zaria, Kaduna State, on March 9, 2026, and did not return home. She is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Yusuf, who are of Ngas origin from Plateau State and currently live in Banki, Kubau Local Government Area. Jinkai had been residing with her elder sister, Jennifer Yusuf Simon, in Kuregu, Zaria, at the time of her disappearance.
Jennifer stated that her sister left for school as usual that morning but failed to return later in the day. When attempts to contact her failed, the family began searching. A neighbour later reported seeing Jinkai's school bag in the possession of a younger child linked to a friend named Rukkayya. The family also discovered that some of Jinkai's personal belongings were missing from the house.
Inquiries pointed to possible communication between Jinkai and a man identified as Abdulsamad, though this has not been verified. School officials confirmed she attended classes on March 9 but left the premises shortly after exams began and did not return. Some classmates said she had previously mentioned plans to relocate to Kano State.
The family was later shown photographs allegedly showing Jinkai wearing a hijab, along with documents from Kano State indicating changes to her name and personal details. The authenticity of these documents remains unconfirmed by law enforcement.
The case has been reported to community leaders, religious authorities, and security agencies in Zaria. The Plateau State Youth Council, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Bahal Nanpyal Mark, described the allegations as disturbing and called for a thorough investigation by the police, DSS, and NAPTIP. The council urged authorities to rescue, protect, and reunite Jinkai with her family and to prosecute those involved. Legal advocate Hayatudeen Ali emphasized that minors cannot give informed consent, and any manipulation of identity or religion constitutes a serious violation.
The Plateau State Youth Council demands action on a case it claims involves trafficking and forced conversion, yet offers no evidence that such acts occurred beyond unverified photos and documents. Jinkai's school confirmed she left after exams began, suggesting she may have acted of her own accord. The council's swift labeling of the incident as trafficking risks prejudging facts still unproven by authorities. Any intervention must be based on verified evidence, not assumptions dressed as outrage.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
