Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State yesterday assumed custody of Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim, the young woman who went missing in 2023 and had been under the care of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Walida, who gave birth to a baby girl in November 2025, had reportedly been abducted from Hadejia Local Government Area by a woman named Mariam, who allegedly subjected her to sexual exploitation. She later came under the supervision of DSS operative Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi in Abuja, prompting legal and public attention after efforts to recover her through her family failed.
Governor Namadi emphasized that the safety and well-being of Walida and her child are priorities. “Walida is a daughter of Jigawa State, and the government will ensure her protection and full recovery from any trauma she may have experienced,” he stated.
ENigeria Newspaper gathered that while in government custody, she will remain in Abuja rather than being returned immediately to Jigawa.
The handover took place at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, with the governor accompanied by Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly Haruna Aliyu, Attorney General Bello Abdulkadir Fanini, Commissioner of Women Affairs Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, and Commissioner of Environment Dr Nura Ibrahim Doka. The DSS Director General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, other principal officers, officials from the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), civil society groups including FIDA, and media representatives witnessed the transfer.
Walida’s parents were notably absent during the handover, which lasted until around 10:40 pm. Her abduction, alleged conversion, and the circumstances of her stay with the DSS have sparked national debate. A coalition of Muslim and women’s organizations, including the Abuja chapters of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), had called for her transfer to a neutral location, citing human rights and constitutional concerns.
DG Ajayi explained the DSS’s position on the custody, noting that the agency’s priority has always been the protection and welfare of Walida.
“Our focus is law, order, and her safety. The government invited Governor Namadi to see firsthand the measures we have taken. Various agencies, including the police, Civil Defence, and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, remain involved,” he said.
He added that Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi remains in detention and will face legal consequences if found culpable.
Barrister Haroun Muhammad, representing NSCIA, highlighted the delicate religious and societal dimensions of the case. “This matter could escalate tensions nationwide. What happens here today sends an important message about justice and social harmony,” he said.
The controversy surrounding Walida’s disappearance, alleged abuse, and custody has continued to draw public attention, with the courts now set to determine the final resolution of the case, including her age and parental rights.
