Legal issues surrounding Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim, the young girl reportedly abducted from Hadejia Local Government Area in Jigawa State by DSS operative Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, have complicated plans for her return to her family.
In an exclusive interview, Walida, now living at the DSS headquarters in Abuja with her three-month-old daughter, claimed she fears harm from her parents if she is returned to Jigawa.
However, her parents have denied this assertion, alleging that she has been coerced into rejecting them and her Islamic faith after allegedly being converted to Christianity by Ifeanyi, who kept her in his home in Abuja.
In her interview with this newspaper, Walida recounted that her troubles began in 2023 in her Anku neighborhood of Hadejia when she was kidnapped by a woman named Mariam, who abused her.
According to Walida, she met Ifeanyi only after fleeing from Mariam's house to Abuja.
The DSS stated that Walida is currently under protective custody, while Ifeanyi is being investigated and will face disciplinary action if found guilty.
In a recent interview with Weekend Trust, the DSS's Deputy Director-General, Patrick, explained that Walida's safety is a priority after she expressed fears for her wellbeing.
He noted that the DSS has requested the court order mandating Walida's return to her parents be overturned.
Patrick emphasized, "Walida has shared some safety concerns during the investigation, believing she would be harmed if she had to return to her family. As a security agency, it is our duty to ensure the protection of individuals in such circumstances."
The DSS has included the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and three civil society organizations in the investigation to ensure comprehensive oversight.
Although Walida’s parents did not attend a recent meeting at DSS headquarters, they expressed their views to Weekend Trust.
Father’s Perspective
Malam Abdulhadi Ibrahim, Walida's father, rejected claims of maltreatment by her stepmother, suggesting that the allegations were fabricated to tarnish their family's reputation.
He stated, "The treatment she received from her stepmother was better than what her mother provided. She was not financially or emotionally mistreated to the point of needing to flee. Another woman lured her away, rather than her running away."
On growing accusations about Walida not living with him prior to her disappearance, he clarified, "This claim is inaccurate. She briefly stayed with her maternal grandmother until her grandmother became incapacitated, at which point Walida returned to my house."
He also denied that Walida had been in contact with her stepmother after arriving at DSS headquarters, stating, "They called me only once—the same call where I informed her about her mother’s death. I also told them that her uncle was in Abuja to visit her."
Badamasi Ibrahim, Walida's uncle, countered allegations of a threat on her life, asserting that he merely indicated Walida could not marry Ifeanyi because of his religious background.
He recalled, "I told Ifeanyi that he would have to convert back to Islam to marry her, but he declined. I attempted to take Walida by requesting her release, but they denied me, citing her status as a mother."
Origins of the Conflict
Malam Ibrahim visited the DSS office in Abuja on February 10, 2026, hopeful for a resolution to the turmoil that began more than two years prior.
He recounted that Walida, at the age of 16, went missing in 2023, with no leads until December 2025.
Following an exhaustive search over two years, he recalled a breakthrough when he received a phone call one evening, connecting him with individuals claiming Walida was in Abuja.
"The caller seemed confused, not fully understanding Hausa, but a woman fluent in the language confirmed my daughter’s location and suggested she would marry one of their men. I was taken aback and questioned the validity of such claims," he added, referring to family circumstances as he tried to navigate the unexpected announcement.
Being a small-scale farmer who had just lost his wife, Malam Ibrahim expressed concern over immediate travel to Abuja. Instead, he suggested that his daughter be sent to his elder brother residing in the city.
He was dismayed to learn that his brother was unable to take Walida home, with Ifeanyi claiming he merely intended to inform her family of his intention to marry her and that she had already given birth to their child.
This situation led to a court case initiated in Jigawa, resulting in a judge's order for Ifeanyi’s arrest and Walida’s return to her father.
Court Proceedings
A Jigawa State Magistrate Court recently ordered the arrest and investigation of Ifeanyi Festus, the DSS officer linked to Walida's abduction, illegal detention, and forced religious conversion.
The ruling, issued by Judge Sadisu Musa under suit number DCC/01/2026, mandated the Jigawa police commissioner to apprehend and investigate Ifeanyi.
The court also directed that the DSS promptly reunite Walida Abdulhadi with her parents. The case emerged following a petition by a group of lawyers under Gamji Lawchain representing her father.
The petition accused Ifeanyi of kidnapping Walida over two years prior, holding her unlawfully, and coercively converting her from Islam to Christianity without parental consent. It also claimed she gave birth while underage.
The petition called for the suspension, arrest, and prosecution of Ifeanyi and highlighted potential complicity from other DSS personnel, labeling the actions as systemic rather than isolated misbehavior.
In response, Mal Ibrahim's expectations for a reunion in Abuja did not materialize.
"When she went missing, I went to the farm, and upon my return, no one had any information on her whereabouts despite our search efforts," he stated, recounting the early days of uncertainty.
Initially reluctant to report the matter out of respect for family decisions, he emphasized how his daughter’s disappearance had cascaded into overwhelming suffering, culminating in his wife’s death three months prior due to stress from the ordeal.
In Abuja
Walida's uncle, Muhammad Badamasi Ibrahim, who lives in Abuja, confirmed the shocking revelation that his younger brother told him about Walida being found in the city.
"On January 1, around 10 AM, my brother called me with the news. I was completely startled, as no one had any information about her for over two years," he recounted.
Following that call, Muhammad sought out the individuals who had contacted his brother and was instructed to go to the vicinity of Kuchigoro, known to be DSS grounds.
"Upon arrival, I was guided to speak with a person named Victor. He informed me that the girl was in the care of another DSS member and was to be married to him," he elaborated.
Objecting based on religious prohibitions against a Muslim marrying a Christian, he voiced his distress over the situation, reminding them, "The girl disappeared as a minor, and they are now discussing marriage."
Muhammad's efforts to advocate for Walida's release were met with firm resistance, with authorities stating she would be harmed if returned home.
Family's Claims on Conversion and Abuse
Malam Ibrahim asserted that Walida was converted to Christianity and impregnated during her time away, undergoing a Cesarean section to deliver due to her young age.
"Her voice is different. I only recognize her because I am her father. She was not capable of a normal birth and was assisted by a woman named Gloria, said to be a doctor and the sister of the man involved," he explained.
He shared the emotional toll this ordeal has had on the family, revealing that Walida’s mother succumbed to despair resulting from her daughter’s abduction.
"Her mother died grieving for her daughter. This suffering has ripped our family apart," he lamented.
Malam Ibrahim conveyed plans to report the incident to relevant authorities and lawyers in Jigawa state, emphasizing their need for justice.
DSS Response
The Department of State Services confirmed the detention of the officer implicated in Walida's case upon the court's directive. In a statement, Favour Dozie, the DSS Deputy Director of Public Relations, affirmed that they have acted upon the court's instructions following the emergence of disturbing allegations about the officer's conduct.
"The Service does not have any record of Ifeanyi Festus, but an active staff member named Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi is under examination due to allegations of forceful conversion and marriage to Walida. This conduct violates our regulations and code of ethics, and the outcome of the investigations will be disclosed," the statement indicated.
Concerns From Legal Representatives
Kabir Adamu, the family's attorney, asserted that despite the DSS collaborating with organizations like FIDA, they failed to present conclusions from their investigations during recent meetings.
He expressed frustration that their findings remained undisclosed and reiterated that familial perspectives were not considered in the process.
"The police are responsible for investigations ordered by courts in Nigeria, not the DSS or any other group. The court's directive was clear—arrest the implicated DSS personnel and ensure Walida's release to her family, so her continued detention is puzzling," he maintained.
Favour Dozie confirmed that thorough investigations are ongoing, with a joint investigative team officially meeting multiple times, concluding on matters regarding the rightful approach within the Nigerian legal framework.
Despite the complexities of the case, reassuring information surfaced that the National Population Commission confirmed Walida's birthdate as February 7, 2004, indicating she is currently 22 years old, yet she has opted for continued protective custody.
About Walida and Her Family
Walida is the eldest child of Malam Ibrahim, advancing her studies in the Senior Secondary School 2 when her ordeal commenced.
Despite being a farmer with limited resources, Malam Ibrahim ensured his children received education and did not engage in street trading.
Recollecting her character, her father said, "She was an amiable and gentle child, cherished by her peers who would frequently entrust her with their money, which she diligently guarded for them. She excelled academically and never protested any grievances that would lead her to flee."
He denied any claims of mental instability, asserting, "She was mentally fit while with us, and we’re baffled by claims suggesting otherwise."
Comparison to Past Abductions
Walida's situation echoes the events surrounding Ese Oruru, abducted about a decade ago by Yunusa Dahiru, also from Bayelsa State to Kano State, where she was converted to Islam and forced into marriage, bearing a child in the process.
Ese's case garnered national attention, highlighted by campaigns like #FreeEseOruru, ultimately leading to her release after a nine-month ordeal.
Similar to Walida, Ese did not have clear recollections of her abduction or the circumstances leading to it, raising ongoing concerns about such patterns recurring in society.
Jigawa Coalition's Call for Justice
Dr. Hussain Shehu, chairman of the Hadejia Ina Mafita Initiative, voiced new apprehensions regarding delays and apparent non-compliance with court orders in Walida's case.
"Our organization, grounded in the local community where the incident unfolded, sought to gather accurate information by conversing with Walida's family. We confirm that their experiences resonate with the reports shared by media outlets and civil society groups," he shared.
Dr. Shehu emphasized the family’s extensive search over two years, carrying significant emotional and physical challenges without resolution until recently, reaffirming the necessity for justice.
FOMWAN Demands Action
The Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has recently urged for Walida's prompt release. In a statement signed by their leaders, they condemned the choices made concerning her custody and subsequent legal proceedings.
FOMWAN highlighted the urgent need for adherence to the court order favoring Walida's reunion with her parents, ensuring comprehensive investigations free from favor or influence.
In a broader context, they echoed a plea for societal cooperation to advocate for justice, especially for child victims, reinforcing that justice postponed is justice denied.
As the legal journey of Walida continues, various stakeholders reiterate their calls for accountability and the preservation of her rights as a victim.
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