Jigawa Governor Takes Custody of Walida from DSS Amidst Controversy

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has officially taken custody of Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim, a young woman who was reportedly held by the Department of State Services (DSS). The handover took place in Abuja on Thursday night.

Governor Namadi stated that any issues concerning Walida's situation would be addressed through the judicial system, assuring that justice would be served. He emphasized that Walida is effectively a "daughter of Jigawa State" and that the government is committed to safeguarding her well-being and supporting her recovery from any potential trauma.

The governor was joined at the DSS headquarters by several key officials, including the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu; the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Bello Abdulkadir Fanini; the Commissioner of Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab; and the Commissioner of Environment, Dr Nura Ibrahim Doka.

The Director General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, along with other senior DSS officers, formally transferred Walida to the governor.

Representatives from the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), including Deputy National Legal Adviser Barrister Haroun Muhammad and committee member Alhaji Najib Jimoh, were present, as were officials from the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), other civil society organizations, and members of the media.

Notably, Walida's parents were not present during the handover ceremony, which concluded around 10:40 pm.

Walida had previously gone missing in 2023 from the Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State. She was allegedly abducted by an individual named Mariam, who reportedly subjected her to sexual exploitation before fleeing. Walida subsequently ended up in Abuja and was taken in by a DSS operative identified as Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, with whom she reportedly had a child in November 2025.

A report in Weekend Trust on February 21, 2026, detailed Walida's account of her experiences. Her father was contacted in December 2025 by the DSS operative Ifeanyi, who informed him that Walida was with him.

Efforts by Walida's relatives to secure her release from Ifeanyi were reportedly unsuccessful. Following this, a petition was allegedly lodged at the DSS headquarters in Abuja by her uncle, and the family also pursued legal action in a Jigawa State court. The court ordered Walida's release to her parents, but the DSS filed a counter-motion, citing an ongoing investigation.

The continued presence of Walida under DSS custody sparked significant public reaction. On Monday, a coalition of Muslim rights groups, including MURIC, FOMWAN, MSO, and Women in Da'awa, held a press conference in Abuja calling for Walida to be moved to a neutral location.

Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen, speaking for the coalition, stressed that the issue transcended religious divides and involved fundamental rights and justice. He highlighted the immense distress the family endured for over two years, with Walida's father having conducted funeral rites under the belief that she had passed away.

The central points of contention in the controversy involved Walida's alleged abduction, her purported conversion to Christianity, and her subsequent custody.

Governor Namadi reiterated that Walida and her baby would remain under the Jigawa State government's care pending the resolution of all issues surrounding her abduction. He described the situation as a "state matter" that would be adjudicated in court.

He clarified that while Walida and her child are in the government's custody, Walida would be temporarily housed in Abuja with adequate security provided. The governor also noted that the question of her age would be settled by the court.

Regarding the DSS's involvement, Director General Ajayi explained that their retention of Walida was to ensure her safety and respect legal processes during the investigation. He stated that the DSS, alongside other agencies, has been working to protect Walida's future and invited various bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), to assess her well-being.

Ajayi confirmed that despite the handover to the Jigawa State government, the DSS, police, Civil Defence, FIDA, and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs would continue to be involved in her affairs. He drew a parallel to the Ese Oruru case, lamenting that some individuals exploited such incidents for personal gain.

Concerning the DSS operative Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, the DG confirmed he remains in DSS custody and will face consequences if found to have violated any regulations.

Barrister Haroun Muhammad of the NSCIA stated that the council's involvement aimed to mitigate potential national unrest and to prevent the exacerbation of religious divisions. He emphasized that the events would send a significant signal to society.