The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dutse branch, has issued a powerful call for justice following the dramatic arrest of a Department of State Services (DSS) officer accused of horrific crimes against a teenage girl. The officer, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, stands accused of abducting, raping, and forcibly converting 16-year-old Miss Walida Abdullahi before allegedly compelling her into marriage.
A Case of Barbarism and Impunity
This distressing case, which remained unresolved for over two years, gained new momentum after a court order on 7 January 2026 directed the police and DSS to arrest and investigate Onyewuenyi. In a strongly-worded statement released on Saturday, NBA Publicity Secretary A.B Umar condemned the allegations, labeling them as evidence of "an appalling level of barbarism and a crass display of impunity."
Umar emphasized the association's demand for a swift, transparent, thorough, and impartial investigation to determine the suspect's culpability and identify any accomplices. The victim, Miss Abdullahi, was declared missing at age 16, with her family enduring a torturous two-year search. Tragically, her mother reportedly died from the trauma of her daughter's disappearance.
Shocking Revelations and a Child Born in Captivity
According to the NBA's account, the case took a bizarre turn in January 2026 when Onyewuenyi contacted the victim's father. The DSS officer allegedly admitted to keeping the girl in his custody and instructed the father to travel to Abuja for their marriage. In a devastating revelation, Umar disclosed that the girl had given birth to a child during her alleged unlawful detention, a situation he described as "a gross abuse of his position as a DSS officer."
The DSS confirmed an arrest in a statement dated 9 January 2026, signed by Deputy Director of Public Relations, Favour Dozie. The agency clarified that while it had no record of a staff member named Ifeanyi Festus, it had arrested "an active staff, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi" suspected of forcefully converting and marrying Miss Abdullahi.
The DSS statement stressed that such acts are completely against its regulations and code of conduct, promising that the outcome of the investigation would be made public.
The Long Road to Accountability
The NBA has pledged to monitor the proceedings closely, insisting that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done. "The court has given its order, and we expect full compliance," Umar stated, urging authorities to ensure ultimate accountability. The association has also appealed for public calm as the judicial process unfolds.
This case highlights serious concerns about abuse of power and the vulnerability of citizens. The nation now watches as the system tasked with protection investigates one of its own for grave violations of law and human decency.
