Parents of Walida Not Open to Reconciliation, Says Youth Assembly

Mohamed Salihu Danlami, Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYM), discusses the Assembly's involvement in the Walida case in a recent interview.

He shared insights on how he was summoned to the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding the case. "I received a call one morning instructing me to visit their office, where I met a colleague from the National Youth Council of Nigeria who briefed me on the purpose of our visit. I acknowledged that I was unfamiliar with the details beyond reading them in the Daily Trust newspaper. When we entered the room, Walida was present, allowing us to conduct interviews with her in both Hausa and English."

In response to whether he had met Walida's parents, Danlami confirmed, "Yes, during our last meeting, we were able to meet with her father and his brother, Badamasi. They came accompanied by two lawyers, and together we discussed the welfare of Walida and her child. However, one of the lawyers raised concerns about her mental state, suggesting a medical examination for her. Consequently, the meeting was postponed until today as we sought to get this examination completed. It was initially planned at the National Hospital but shifted to VCG, the DSS's hospital, where the Nigerian Medical Association conducted it."

He added, "I was present during the examination and met a representative from the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA)."

Following the examination, which determined that Walida was mentally sound, Danlami was asked about her reluctance to return to her family. He explained, "From what she conveyed to us and stated in front of her parents, she expressed fear for her safety if she returned home. She mentioned that her uncle, whom she introduced as Badamasi, had made threatening comments, implying that he would prefer to see her dead than in her current situation with her baby. She fears that upon returning to her family in Jigawa, they might confine her and cause her harm."

Danlami also mentioned attempts to engage with Walida's parents, stating, "The father does not speak English, so we had to translate everything for him during our discussions, including the uncle's statements. The uncle chose to remain silent, neither confirming nor denying the alleged threats. The father maintained that the lawyers were responsible for communicating on their behalf. Unfortunately, they have not been forthcoming in seeking a resolution." He expressed his surprise at the parents' absence during the latest meeting, especially since it was their lawyer who had initially facilitated the medical evaluation.

When asked about potential resolutions to the situation, Danlami emphasized, "Our primary concern is for the safety and happiness of Walida and her child."