Justice Demanded as DSS Hands Over Abducted Jigawa Teen to State Government

The father of Walida Ibrahim, the Jigawa State teenager whose disappearance in 2023 sparked widespread controversy, has demanded justice following her release by the Department of State Services to the state government.

Abdulhadi Ibrahim, speaking exclusively with Harmattan news on Saturday, expressed gratitude for public support and the intervention of Governor Umar Namadi, while insisting on accountability for those responsible for his daughter’s ordeal.

“I’m grateful for the support and concern shown by the public and still demand justice for my daughter,” he said.

The Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the DSS National Headquarters in Abuja, Favour Dozie, confirmed that the transfer took place around 5:45 pm on February 26, 2026.

Walida was allegedly abducted from Hadejia, Jigawa State, over two years ago when she was 16 years old. According to a petition dated January 4, 2026, by Gamji Lawchain, the law firm representing the family, she was reportedly subjected to sexual abuse and forceful conversion to Christianity by DSS officer Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi. Her mother reportedly died from emotional trauma during the family’s prolonged search for her.

Family Vows to Pursue Justice

Kabiru Adamu, representing the family, vowed to pursue the case to its logical conclusion.

“We’ll pursue this case to the end. The law will take its course,” Adamu told Harmattan news.

He praised Governor Namadi’s intervention, describing it as decisive and historic. “This is a very memorable day and historic that Walida Abdulhadi has secured her freedom. We thank Governor Namadi for the quick and timely response he gave and the decisive actions he has taken. He’s taken the bull by the horns, travelling to Abuja to ensure the release of his citizen – it’s a wonderful job.”

Adamu, however, stressed that more needed to be done. He called on the governor to ensure compliance with the court order by bringing the suspected officer to Jigawa State, handing him over to the police, and conducting a discreet investigation.

“We want justice to be served, and we believe the Governor will ensure that happens. We’ve seen his commitment so far, and we’re confident he’ll see this through to the end. The ball is now in his court,” he added.

Civil Society Groups Demand Accountability

The Chairman of the Civil Society Coalition on Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution, Musbahu Basirka, welcomed Walida’s release but insisted that justice must be fully served.

“We demand justice for Walida. The DSS and government must ensure the perpetrator faces the law,” Basirka said.

He described her release as “a positive and reassuring development that helps rebuild public trust,” while commending Governor Namadi’s “prompt and strategic intervention, which made her return possible and eased growing public concern.”

Basirka, however, cautioned that her release must mark the beginning, not the end, of the justice process. “We call for accountability and fair proceedings,” he stated, vowing that the coalition would continue to engage constructively to ensure comprehensive and lawful justice.

Government Provides Support, Pledges Action

The Jigawa State Government, through Commissioner of Women Affairs Hadiza Abdulwab, confirmed that Walida is currently receiving care under her ministry.

“We’re providing her with medical and psychological support. We urge the public to continue supporting us,” Abdulwab said.

She assured that the government remains committed to pursuing justice, adding, “The government is committed to ensuring that those responsible for Walida’s abduction and abuse are held accountable, and we’ll continue to work with relevant agencies to achieve this.”

Suspect Still at Large

Despite Walida’s release following a court order secured by her family’s legal team, the suspected officer, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, remains at large. The court had directed his production before the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, but his whereabouts are still unknown, prompting continued outrage and demands for justice.

Harmattan News had earlier reported that after months of silence, public outcry, and intervention by the Jigawa State Government, the DSS finally released Walida to Governor Namadi on Wednesday night.