JUST IN: DSS Hands Over Missing Girl, Who Lived with Its Officer and Had His Child, to State Authorities

Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim, the Jigawa State girl who went missing in 2023, has been released from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and taken into the care of the Jigawa State government.

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State received Walida at the DSS headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday evening. He confirmed that all legal questions surrounding her abduction will be addressed by the courts and pledged to ensure her safety and recovery.

Accompanying the governor were key state officials, including the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu, Attorney General Barrister Bello Abdulkadir Fanini, and Commissioners for Women Affairs and Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab and Dr. Nura Ibrahim Doka, respectively.

The DSS, led by Director General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, formally handed Walida over to the governor in a process attended by representatives of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), civil society groups, and media outlets.

Walida’s parents were not present during the handover, which concluded around 10:40 pm.

Walida was reportedly abducted from Hadejia Local Government Area by one Mariam, subjected to sexual exploitation, and later moved in with DSS operative Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi in Abuja. She gave birth to a baby girl in November 2025.

Her family made repeated attempts to recover her, including filing petitions with the DSS and the courts. Although a Jigawa court directed her release to her parents, the DSS initially retained custody for further investigation. Public attention grew following an exclusive Weekend Trust interview with Walida on 21 February, prompting advocacy groups to demand her transfer to a neutral authority.

Governor Namadi said Walida and her child will remain under state protection for the time being. “Taking her into our custody does not automatically mean she will return to Jigawa immediately. She will remain in Abuja with adequate security,” he stated.

DSS DG Ajayi explained the Service’s role as a legal safeguard. “Our focus is her safety and future. We conducted a structured, multi-agency investigation, including medical and psychological assessments,” he said. He confirmed that Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi remains in DSS custody and will face legal consequences if found culpable.

Barrister Haroun Muhammad, representing the NSCIA, said the involvement of religious and civil groups aimed to prevent tensions and ensure the matter does not escalate along religious lines.

Walida’s case remains under judicial review, with the state government committed to her protection and full recovery.