DSS Accused of Defying Court Order in Case of Allegedly Abducted Teenager
The Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria faces mounting pressure over its handling of a case involving Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim, a teenager from Jigawa State. Civil society groups accuse the agency of violating a court order mandating the release of the 16-year-old to her family, following allegations she was abducted, sexually exploited, and forcibly converted to Christianity by a DSS operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi.
The case has drawn comparisons to the 2015–2016 Ese Oruru case, where a teenage girl was abducted and converted, leading to a public outcry and eventual conviction of the perpetrator. Observers note that while the Oruru case sparked national outrage and swift state intervention, Walida’s situation has not ignited a comparable response.
According to a petition by Gamji Lawchain, Walida was allegedly abducted two years ago and held in unlawful DSS custody, denied access to her parents. Her father claims the trauma contributed to his wife’s death. A key dispute centers on her age: while her family states she is 16, attempts have been made to portray her as a 22-year-old adult, a claim her legal team challenges.
The DSS’s role as both custodian and investigator in the case has been cited as a conflict of interest. Meanwhile, the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has issued a counter-narrative, stating Walida left home voluntarily in 2023 and is “stable” with her captor. Experts caution that such assessments overlook the psychological trauma, including symptoms akin to Stockholm Syndrome, common in abuse victims.
Civil society and faith-based organisations have publicly accused the DSS of non-compliance with the judicial directive. They call for an independent inquiry into the allegations against Onyewuenyi and transparent age verification through official documents. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has been urged to take the lead given the child protection and trafficking dimensions.
The Jigawa State Government has also been asked to intervene, mirroring the decisive action taken by the Bayelsa State Government in the Ese Oruru case. Observers stress that the matter is a child rights issue, not a religious confrontation, and must be resolved through due process.
The DSS has not publicly commented on the specific allegations or the court order. The Director-General, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is widely respected for a professional record perceived as non-partisan. Critics argue that the agency’s response to this case will test its commitment to the rule of law and institutional integrity.
Next steps hinge on judicial compliance and a neutral investigation. Legal experts assert that adherence to court orders and transparent procedures is essential to uphold public trust and ensure justice is administered without regard to religious or institutional bias.
