The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Walida, a minor allegedly abducted and impregnated by a serving operative, to the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi.
Walida and her baby were handed over to the governor on Wednesday night at the DSS headquarters in Abuja.
According to reports, the governor was accompanied by key state officials, including 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 Haroun Muhammad, Deputy National Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), officials of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and representatives of civil society organisations.
Walida’s parents were, however, absent at the handover, which reportedly lasted until about 10:40 p.m.
Speaking at the event, Namadi described Walida as a daughter of Jigawa State, assuring that the state government would ensure her safety and recovery.
“Walida will be in the custody of the state government pending when all the issues surrounding her abduction are resolved,” he said.
The governor clarified that taking custody of her does not automatically mean she would be moved to Jigawa immediately.
“She will be kept in Abuja for now and provided with adequate security. Her case is a state matter and will be treated as such,” he added.
The Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, said the agency had kept Walida in custody since her recovery in January 2026.
“It is unfortunate that people don’t learn from history in Nigeria. Our major concern is about the safety and the future of Walida,” Ajayi said.
He confirmed that the officer implicated in the case, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, is currently in custody and would face the law if found culpable.
“This is an inter-agency investigation. We deliberately invited various groups to be part of the process,” he said.
Walida reportedly went missing in November 2023 in Hadejia, Jigawa State, at the age of 16.
Her disappearance caused significant distress to her family, with reports that her mother later died following psychological trauma linked to the incident.
On January 1, 2026, her father, Abdulhadi Ibrahim, reportedly received a call from a DSS officer identified as Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, who allegedly informed him that Walida was with him in Abuja and had given birth.
The officer was said to have invited the father to Abuja for discussions and expressed willingness to marry her.
Subsequently, a petition was filed by lawyers at Gamji Lawchain to the DSS, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, prompting an investigation.
The DSS later arrested the officer over the allegations.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.