Is it permissible to take a program code as collateral or ownership in exchange for overdue wages, knowing that the code is a trust and there is a fear that the employer will not pay the dues?

It is not permissible for your friend to procrastinate in fulfilling your right, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Give the laborer his wages before his sweat dries." As for the code he gave you as a trust, it is not permissible for you to take it for yourself. However, you can extract your right through it by threatening him that you will not return it to him unless he gives you your right, without wronging him, for Allah Almighty says: "And the retribution for an evil act is an evil act equivalent to it."