DSS Hands Over Allegedly Abducted and Impregnated Minor to Jigawa State Governor
The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally handed over Walida, a minor who was allegedly abducted and impregnated by a serving DSS operative, to Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi. This significant development occurred at the DSS headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with the handover proceedings extending until approximately 10:40pm.
Official Handover and State Custody
Governor Namadi, accompanied by a delegation of high-ranking officials, received Walida and her baby. The delegation included Haruna Aliyu, Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly; Bello Abdulkadir Fanini, the state's attorney-general; and Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, commissioner for women affairs. Also present were representatives from civil society groups, such as Haroun Muhammad, deputy national legal adviser of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA). Notably, Walida's parents were absent from the event.
Speaking at the DSS headquarters, Governor Namadi described Walida as a daughter of Jigawa State and assured that the state government would assume full responsibility for her safety and recovery. "She will be in the custody of the state government pending the resolution of all issues surrounding her abduction," the governor stated. He clarified that taking her into state custody does not mean an immediate return to Jigawa, adding, "Walida will be kept in Abuja for now. She will be provided with adequate security. Her case is a state matter and will be treated as such."
DSS Response and Investigation Details
DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi explained that the agency had kept Walida in custody after recovering her from the operative in January 2026. He confirmed that the DSS officer involved is currently detained and will face appropriate consequences if found culpable. "Our major concern is about the safety and the future of Walida," Ajayi said. "She is a young woman who has the right to live, and we have the responsibility to ensure she is safe while the matter is being investigated." He emphasized that the case is being handled as an inter-agency investigation, with multiple groups invited to observe for transparency.
Background of the Alleged Abduction
Walida reportedly went missing in November 2023 at the age of 16 in Hadejia, Jigawa State. Her family's efforts to locate her were unsuccessful, and her disappearance caused severe emotional distress to her mother, who later died. On January 1, 2026, her father, Abdulhadi Ibrahim, allegedly received a call from a DSS officer identified as Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, who informed him that Walida was with him in Abuja and had given birth. The officer reportedly asked the father to come to Abuja for discussions and indicated a willingness to marry her.
Unable to travel, the father sent a representative, who claimed that Walida was living with the officer at a DSS facility in Karmajiji, Abuja. It was also alleged that the officer converted her from Islam to Christianity. Following a petition by lawyers at Gamji Lawchain to the DSS, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, the DSS arrested the operative over the allegations. Investigations into this disturbing case are ongoing, with authorities committed to ensuring justice and safeguarding the minor's welfare.
