FOMWAN Calls for the Release of Jigawa Minor

The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has urged for the prompt release of Walida Abdullahi, a teenage girl from the Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State, who has allegedly been missing for over two years.

According to reports, Walida was said to have been taken from her family's home in 2023 by an operative from the Department of State Services (DSS) and was forcibly converted to Christianity. Since this incident, FOMWAN asserts that the minor has been unlawfully detained.

In a statement endorsed by its National Amira, Hajiya Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza, and National Secretary, Hauwa Kulu Abdullahi, the organization stated that they have monitored the situation closely, labeling it as unacceptable and troubling.

Furthermore, FOMWAN expressed concern that despite a recent court ruling regarding the person allegedly responsible for Walida's abduction, this individual has not yet been handed over to the relevant law enforcement agencies for further inquiry and prosecution.

"As a faith-based women’s group dedicated to safeguarding the rights of women and children, as well as upholding human dignity and justice, we emphasize that no one is above the law," the statement remarked.

The organization highlighted that children’s rights must be safeguarded at all times in accordance with Nigerian legislation, Islamic tenets, and international treaties to which Nigeria is a party. They pointed out that delayed justice equates to denied justice, particularly in cases concerning minors.

FOMWAN called upon the appropriate authorities to fully adhere to the court's directive for Walida's release and her return to her family, assuring that all allegations regarding the case are investigated thoroughly and transparently, free from bias or interference.

In addition, the organization appealed to civil society organizations, religious groups, and human rights advocates to persist in their peaceful campaigns to secure justice and maintain the public’s trust in the justice system.