Abducted teenager’s mother thanks media, Nigerians for helping rescue efforts

14-year-old Ese has been the centre of attention since details of her abduction by one Yinusa Bello became public knowledge.

Bello is said to have kidnapped the girl from Bayelsa State in August 2015 and transported her to Kano where he married her and held her captive.

Following widespread outcry and intense media attention, Ese was rescued by the police and taken along with her abductor to Abuja.

The abduction has been surrounded by much controversy due to the involvement of the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

Media reports had it that Yinusa was being protected by persons within the Emir’s palace.

The claim was further strengthened after Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase said that he couldn’t save the girl without Sanusi’s intervention.

The Emir however told Punch that he had ordered that Ese be returned home since September 2015.

“I ordered her repatriation since September 2015 through the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 1. But to my surprise, the issue is still in between the Sharia Commission, Hisbah (religious police) and the Police,” Sanusi said.

“The matter is worrisome, to the extent that two people phoned me in the morning today from South Africa over the matter. I told them clearly that I had directed for her repatriation since the last six month.

“I can also remember that I ordered the District head of Kura, The Sharia Commission and Hisbah to investigate the allegation she (Ese) raised that her mother wanted to kill her.

“The duo confirmed to me that the allegation raised by Ese is true. I requested police intervention just to get her a cover to take her back home. I think it is the Police authorities that caused the delay. I have done my best for her and even directed for action. It’s unfortunate that the police delayed this matter which has embarrassed us.

“Ese is under aged and she can’t be married off as an under aged. Every Muslim also knows that marriage can’t be without guidance. She must be taken back to her parents; she can only marry when she reaches the age of 18 years,” Sanusi added.

Meanwhile, Ese has reportedly said that she wasn’t abducted but went with Yinusa of her own accord.

“No. I am not abducted by anybody,” the teenager supposedly said in an audio recording obtained by Premium Times. "My name is Aisha Chuwas. I am 17-year-old. I came here to be a Muslim and I will stay here,” she added.

Ese’s parents have however maintained that she is 14-years-old despite her claim to be 17. Meanwhile, the age of her abductor is still in dispute.

Ese has been reunited with her mother and will expectedly return to Bayelsa today, March 2, 2016.

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