The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended its officer, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, who stands accused of abducting, unlawfully detaining, and coercing the religious conversion and marriage of a 16-year-old girl, Walida Ibrahim.
It is important to note that a Magistrates’ Court in Hadejia, Jigawa State, had previously ordered the arrest and investigation of the officer following allegations of abduction, unlawful detention, and forced religious conversion.
This action was prompted by a petition from a group of solicitors representing the girl’s father under Gamji Lawchain.
The petition alleged that the officer had abducted Walida over two years ago, held her in unlawful detention, sexually exploited her, and coerced her conversion from Islam to Christianity without parental consent.
Additionally, it claimed that she gave birth while still underage.
In a statement issued on Saturday, signed by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozier, the DSS confirmed the arrest and detention of the suspect while the investigation is ongoing.
The DSS clarified that the name of the staff involved is Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, contrary to the name Ifeanyi Festus mentioned in the petition, and assured that the findings of the investigation would be made public.
Part of the DSS statement read:
“The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to reports alleging the involvement of a staff member of DSS, one Ifeanyi Festus, in a case of abduction, defilement of a minor, and abuse of office among other offences.
“For clarity, the Service has no record of the aforementioned name in its employment. However, it is hereby confirmed that an active staff member, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, who is suspected of having forcibly converted and married one Walida Abdulhadi, has been arrested and is currently under investigation.
“It must be emphasised that such acts are against our regulations and established code of conduct. As such, the outcome of the investigation will be made public.”
