Justice for Walida Abdulhadi: Jigawa Government Steps into Controversial DSS Abduction Case

 

​The Jigawa State Government has officially intervened in the deeply distressing case of Walida Abdulhadi, a young girl from Hadejia Local Government Area who was allegedly abducted, forcefully converted, and sexually exploited by an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS). On February 24, 2026, state authorities issued a formal plea for calm, assuring the public and various civil society organizations that the government is working tirelessly to ensure that justice is served and that the victim is safely reunited with her family. This intervention comes amid rising tensions and a series of protests from groups demanding the immediate prosecution of the accused officer.

​The Heartbreaking Details of the Walida Abdulhadi Case

​The ordeal of Walida Abdulhadi is a saga that has spanned over two years, leaving a trail of trauma for her family. Walida was reportedly just 16 years old when she went missing from her home in Hadejia in 2023. For over 24 months, her family lived in agonizing uncertainty, a period during which her mother tragically passed away, reportedly due to the extreme emotional distress and health complications brought on by her daughter's disappearance.

​The breakthrough in the case occurred on New Year's Day, 2026, when the suspect, identified as Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, an active staff member of the DSS, allegedly contacted Walida's father. The revelation was shocking: Walida had been in his custody in Abuja all along, had been converted from Islam to Christianity, and had given birth to a child fathered by the officer.

​Jigawa State Government’s Formal Intervention

​Recognizing the potential for a breakdown in law and order due to the sensitive religious and human rights nature of the case, the Jigawa State Government has stepped in to manage the situation. State officials have been in constant communication with the national leadership of the DSS and the Federal Ministry of Justice to fast-track the legal proceedings.

​The government’s statement emphasized three main priorities:

1. ​Ensuring Compliance with Court Orders: A Jigawa Magistrate Court had earlier issued a warrant for the arrest of the suspect and ordered the DSS to release Walida to her parents. The state government is pushing for the full execution of these judicial directives.
2. ​Protecting the Victim and her Child: Authorities are working to ensure that Walida and her baby receive the necessary medical and psychological support before and during their reintegration into society.
3. ​Maintaining Public Peace: The government has urged religious leaders and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) to exercise patience, promising that no stone will be left unturned in the quest for accountability.

​The Role of the DSS and Legal Accountability

​The Department of State Services has confirmed that Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi is indeed an active operative and has since been taken into custody for an internal investigation. The agency has publicly condemned the alleged acts, stating that abduction, rape, and forced conversion are direct violations of the DSS code of conduct.

​However, a coalition of civil society organizations has expressed frustration over what they perceive as a delay in the suspect's formal arraignment in a regular court of law. The involvement of the Jigawa State Government is seen as a necessary "checks and balances" measure to ensure that the case is not swept under the carpet due to the suspect’s position within the security architecture.

​A Test for Nigeria's Rule of Law

​The Walida Abdulhadi case is more than just a local tragedy; it is a significant test for the Nigerian justice system. It touches upon sensitive issues of minor protection, religious freedom, and the abuse of power by security personnel. The eyes of the nation, and indeed the international community, are on the Jigawa State and Federal Governments to see if they can deliver justice to a family that has already lost so much.

​As the legal battle moves to its next phase, the Jigawa State Government has reiterated that "justice delayed is justice denied," and they remain committed to overseeing a transparent process that restores the dignity of Walida and holds the perpetrator accountable to the highest degree of the law.