By George O Sylvester
On the night of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the Department of State Services (DSS) released Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim into the custody of Umar Namadi, governor of Jigawa State, following a magistrate court order mandating her immediate release. She was reunited with her family in Hadejia Local Government Area after being held in DSS protective custody in Abuja for several years under contested circumstances.
The case revolves around allegations that DSS operative Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi abducted Walida, transported her to Abuja, allegedly converted her religion, and fathered a child with her while she was a minor. Civil society groups, including Muslim Rights Concern, condemned the prolonged detention and urged authorities to enforce the Child Rights Act, which criminalises abduction and exploitation of minors.
Walida, however, maintains that her relocation in 2023 was voluntary, disputes claims of forcible conversion and asserts she was an adult at the time; a claim still under legal scrutiny.
Governor Namadi has assumed custody and assured her safety, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about institutional accountability, child protection and adherence to due process in Nigeria.
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