Umar Namadi last night took custody of Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim, the missing girl from Jigawa State who had been held by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The governor said matters surrounding her alleged abduction would be resolved in court, assuring that justice would prevail. He described Walida as a daughter of Jigawa State and pledged that the government would ensure her safety and support her recovery from any trauma she may have experienced.
Namadi was accompanied to the DSS headquarters in Abuja by the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Bello Abdulkadir Fanini; the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab; and the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Nura Ibrahim Doka, among others.
The Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, alongside senior officers of the Service, formally handed Walida over to the governor. Representatives of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), including Deputy National Legal Adviser Barrister Haroun Muhammad and Alhaji Najib Jimoh of the Expanded General Purpose Committee, were also present.
Officials of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), other civil society groups, and members of the media attended the handover, which lasted until about 10:40 p.m. However, Walida’s parents were not present.
Walida was reportedly abducted from Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State by a woman identified as Mariam, who allegedly subjected her to sexual exploitation before fleeing. She later ended up in Abuja and reportedly moved in with a DSS operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi. In November 2025, she gave birth to a baby girl.
Walida had been missing since 2023. In December 2025, her father received a call from Ifeanyi, who informed him that she was with him. After family efforts to secure her release failed, her uncle reportedly filed a petition at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, and the family later approached a court in Jigawa State.
Although the court ordered that she be released to her parents, the DSS filed a counter-motion, stating that investigations were ongoing. Following media reports on her case, several groups expressed concern over her continued stay in DSS custody.
On Monday, a coalition including the Abuja chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Muslim Students’ Organisation of Nigeria (MSO), and Women in Da’awa addressed a press conference in Abuja, calling for her transfer to a neutral location.
Speaking for the Concerned Coalition for Walida Abdulhadi, Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen said the issue transcends religion and touches on justice, constitutional order, and human rights. He noted that her disappearance caused immense distress to her family, adding that her father had performed funeral rites believing she was dead.
The controversy centers on allegations of abduction, religious conversion, and custody.
Walida, baby to remain under state care
Governor Namadi stated that Walida would remain under the custody of the Jigawa State Government pending the resolution of legal issues. He said the baby girl she delivered would also remain under state protection.
He clarified that taking custody of Walida does not automatically mean she would be returned to Jigawa immediately, noting that she would remain in Abuja for now under adequate security. He added that the court would determine any disputes regarding her age.
DSS: Action guided by law
DSS Director-General Ajayi said the agency acted in accordance with the law and prioritised Walida’s safety and future. He explained that the governor was invited as part of due process and described the matter as an inter-agency investigation.
Ajayi added that the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) was invited to assess Walida’s mental state. He said that although she has been handed over to the state government, the DSS, police, Civil Defence, FIDA, and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs would continue to be involved.
He also confirmed that Ifeanyi remains in DSS custody and would face consequences if found culpable.
Barrister Haroun Muhammad said the NSCIA intervened to help reduce tensions, warning that the issue could deepen divisions if not handled carefully.
