By Milcah Tanimu
The Customary Court of Appeal in Kaduna has set November 20, 2024, for the hearing of the case involving the release of Cecilia Peter Bakam’s body. The case highlights a conflict between tradition and modern values, as the family has kept the body unburied for over a year.
Justices Luka Gwaza Maza, Linda Amina Yaroson, and Dorcas Tabitha Atung will preside over the matter. Hajiya Maryam Doka, Veronica Dudu Bakam, George Bakam, and Pascalina Bakam are the applicants, while Emmanuel Bakam Peter and Samaila Bakam are the defendants.
Previously, an Upper Customary Court in Sabon Tasha had ordered the family to release Cecilia Bakam’s body. The family had disagreed over her burial location due to her alleged dying wish, which conflicted with tradition.
Judge Danladi Douglas ruled that the elders should receive the body. He explained that the Bajju people’s customs grant elders the final decision on burial matters. He stressed that despite any dying wish, the elders’ choice for the burial site prevails.
The judge also noted that the family had unlawfully held the body for too long, violating Bajju traditions.
