The Department of State Services (DSS) has handed over Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim, a minor allegedly abducted and impregnated by a serving DSS operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, along with her baby, to Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State.
The handover took place on Wednesday at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, where Governor Namadi was accompanied by senior state officials, including Haruna Aliyu (Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly), Bello Abdulkadir Fanini (Attorney-General), and Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab (Commissioner for Women Affairs).
Walida, who was 15 or 16 years old at the time of her disappearance in November 2023 from Hadejia Local Government Area in Jigawa State, had been missing for over two years. Her prolonged absence reportedly caused severe psychological trauma to her mother, who later died.
The case gained attention on January 1, 2026, when Walida's father, Abdulhadi Ibrahim, received a call from Onyewuenyi informing him that Walida was with him, had given birth to a baby girl (in November 2025), and proposing marriage.
A family representative sent to Abuja discovered Walida living at a DSS facility in Karmajiji, Abuja.Allegations include abduction, sexual exploitation leading to impregnation, unlawful detention, and forced conversion from Islam to Christianity. Lawyers from Gamji Lawchain filed petitions to the DSS, Inspector-General of Police, and Office of the National Security Adviser, prompting the DSS to arrest Onyewuenyi.
Walida has been in DSS custody since her recovery in January 2026, while the operative remains in custody pending inter-agency investigation.
Speaking at the handover, Governor Namadi described Walida as "a daughter of the state" and assured that the Jigawa government would take responsibility for her safety, full recovery, and well-being.
He clarified that she would remain in Abuja under adequate security for now, rather than being immediately returned to Jigawa, and emphasized that the matter would be treated as a state issue with justice pursued through the courts.
DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi (also referred to as Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi) stated that the operative "will not be spared if found wanting," stressing the agency's primary concern for Walida's safety and future. He described the handover as part of an inter-agency process and noted the involvement of various groups to ensure transparency.
The handover occurred late Wednesday evening, extending to around 10:40 pm, and Walida's parents were not present.
The case has drawn attention from civil society, faith-based organizations like the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), and rights groups, amid reports of a prior court order for her release to her family (which was reportedly not followed in this manner).
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com