Court Restrains Caretaker Committee and Orders Status Quo in ZAYODA Dispute

Yohanna Sunday Atiku, 27 June 2026.

The High Court of Justice, Bauchi State, granted an interim injunction restraining the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee from interfering with the affairs of the Zaar Youth Development Association (ZAYODA), including its administration, elections, and other lawful activities. The Court also restrained the Commissioner of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) from recognizing, assisting, or enforcing any directive issued by the Caretaker Committee concerning the management or elections of the association.

Additionally, the Court directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice. In legal terms, this means that no party should take any further action to alter the existing situation until the Court has fully heard the case. Consequently, the Caretaker Committee should not assume or exercise control over ZAYODA, while the Police and NSCDC are prohibited from recognizing or supporting it.

The Respondents were ordered to appear before the Court and show cause why the interim orders should not be sustained. The matter was adjourned to 14 July 2026 for the hearing of the Motion on Notice.

Importantly, the interim order does not validate or approve the suspension of the ZAYODA Constitution. Rather, the Court's order appears to preserve the position existing before the disputed actions by preventing the Caretaker Committee from exercising authority until the substantive application is determined. The order is therefore a temporary measure aimed at preserving the subject matter of the dispute, not a final judgment on the merits of the case.

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My Views on Paying Ransom in Nigeria for Kidnapped Victims

Kidnapping has become one of the most painful security challenges facing Nigeria today. Each time a victim is taken, families are thrown into fear, confusion, and desperation. 

In such moments, emotions naturally take over, and many people support any action that may bring the victim home safely.

I understand that feeling.

When I first watched a recent video of a kidnapped victim in terrible condition, I was deeply moved. Emotionally, I supported any method that could secure his release.

But after careful reflection, I began to think differently.

The truth is that when dealing with kidnapping, emotions alone cannot guide our decisions. We must focus on practical and long-term solutions that will protect both present and future victims.

If there are no strong and well-planned rescue strategies in place, paying ransom should not be accepted as the answer.

When ransom is paid and the victim is released alive, kidnappers become richer and stronger. That money can be used to buy more weapons, expand their operations, and plan more kidnappings.

The victim may return home, but the larger problem remains unresolved. The cycle simply continues.

Even worse, there are cases where ransom is paid and the victim is still killed, while the criminals escape with the money. In such cases, crime is rewarded, innocent lives are lost, and insecurity deepens.

This is why ransom payment cannot be seen as a lasting solution to kidnapping in Nigeria for now.

If our security agencies are unable to develop effective rescue systems, intelligence operations, and preventive strategies, then Citizens keep raising millions or billions in ransom only reflects weakness in our response to crime.

Nigeria must invest more in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, border control, community policing, and rapid-response rescue operations.

Until our security architecture becomes stronger and more effective, we must continue to question why ransom payments are still treated as a normal option.

Paying ransom may solve one case temporarily, but it often strengthens the system of kidnapping itself.

Nigeria deserves better solutions.

Thank you.

Yohanna Sunday Atiku

Criminologist and Security Expert.

22 April 2026.