The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken one of its own operatives into custody following grave allegations of abduction, unlawful detention, and the forced religious conversion of a teenage girl in Jigawa State.
Court Order and Shocking Allegations
This arrest was set in motion by an order from a magistrate court in Hadejia. The court acted on a petition filed by lawyers from Gamji Lawchain, who are representing the father of the victim, Walida Ibrahim.
The petition presented a harrowing account. It alleged that the DSS operative abducted Walida over two years ago. During this period, she was reportedly held in unlawful detention, subjected to sexual exploitation, and forced to convert from Islam to Christianity without her parents' consent. The lawyers further stated that the girl gave birth while still a minor.
The legal team strongly condemned what they described as a gross abuse of power. They demanded the immediate suspension, arrest, and prosecution of the officer involved. They also called for an independent probe into the DSS facility located in Karmajji. The petition highlighted the severe psychological trauma inflicted on Walida and her family, noting that the prolonged distress contributed to the death of her mother.
DSS Confirms Arrest and Identifies Suspect
In an official statement dated 9 January 2026, the DSS addressed the case. The statement was issued by Favour Dozie, the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the agency's National Headquarters.
Dozie clarified the identity of the suspect. While initial reports named an individual called Ifeanyi Festus, the Service confirmed it has no record of that name in its employment. The actual arrested staff member was identified as Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi.
"It is hereby confirmed that an active staff, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, who is suspected to have forcefully converted and married one Walida Abdulhadi, has been arrested and is currently being investigated," Dozie stated.
Public Outcry and Vow for Transparency
The case has ignited significant public concern regarding the potential for abuse of power within security agencies and the urgent need to protect minors from such violations. There are widespread calls for justice and strict adherence to the law.
In her statement, Dozie emphasized that the alleged actions are completely against DSS regulations and its established code of conduct. She assured Nigerians that the investigation would be thorough and its findings made public.
"It must be stressed that such acts are against our regulations and code of conduct. The outcome of the investigation will be made public," she affirmed, pledging the Service's commitment to transparency and accountability in this disturbing matter.
