DSS Detains Operative Over Alleged Abduction, Forced Conversion, Marriage of Minor in Jigawa

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested one of its operatives, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, following allegations that he abducted, illegally detained, and forcefully converted and married a 16-year-old girl, Walida Ibrahim.

The arrest comes after a Magistrate Court in Hadejia, Jigawa State, ordered the security agency to apprehend and investigate the officer over the alleged offences. The directive followed a formal petition submitted by a team of lawyers under the Gamji Lawchain on behalf of the girl’s father.

According to the petition, the DSS operative allegedly abducted Walida more than two years ago and kept her in unlawful custody. The lawyers further alleged that the minor was sexually exploited, compelled to convert from Islam to Christianity without parental consent, and married while underage. It was also claimed that she gave birth before attaining the legal age.

Confirming the development, the DSS said in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozier, that the suspect had been arrested and was currently under investigation.

The Service clarified that the name of the officer involved is Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, not Ifeanyi Festus as stated in the original petition, adding that it has no record of a staff member bearing the latter name.

“The attention of the Department of State Services has been drawn to reports alleging the involvement of a staff member in a case of abduction, defilement of a minor and abuse of office,” the statement said. “For clarity, the Service has no record of the individual named in the petition. However, it is confirmed that an active staff member, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, suspected to have forcefully converted and married one Walida Abdulhadi, has been arrested and is currently under investigation.”

The DSS stressed that the alleged actions contravene its regulations and code of conduct, assuring that the findings of the investigation would be made public upon completion.