By Erewunmi Peace

Eight of the 16 Christian children seized from Du Merci Orphanage in Kano State nearly six years ago have been released and reunited with their advocates, after enduring prolonged state custody and allegations of forced religious conversion.

The children were among 27 minors taken by armed security operatives on December 25, 2019, during a raid on the Christian-run orphanage in Nomansland, Kano. The founders of the orphanage, Prof. Solomon Tarfa and Dr. Mercy Tarfa, were arrested and later acquitted in court, which also ruled that the orphanage was legally registered.

Despite the acquittal, the children remained in state-run Nasarawa Children’s Home, where reports from human rights advocates claim they were compelled to adopt Islamic practices, including name changes, attending mosque services, and reciting Islamic prayers.

Human rights lawyer Barrister Emmanuel Ogebe condemned the prolonged detention, describing it as “a gross violation of court orders and fundamental human rights.” According to him, the release of the eight children comes months after a court ordered their return, which the state authorities delayed.

“This is a partial compliance with the court order, but the delay shows contempt for judicial decisions. The trauma inflicted on these children is immeasurable,” Ogebe said.

The freed children were received by Barrister Gideon Uzu and accompanied by Pharmacist Marcus Tarfa, a former orphan from Du Merci. However, eight children remain in state custody, with legal proceedings still pending.

Background:
The Du Merci Orphanage case has drawn international attention, with organizations like Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and AC International raising alarms about religious persecution and the violation of Nigeria’s constitutional rights to freedom of religion.