Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has taken custody of Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim, a young girl who had been missing since 2023 and was recently released from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), assuring that justice would be pursued in the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
The governor, accompanied by government officials, received Walida from DSS authorities in Abuja in the presence of civil society organisations and media representatives. Her parents were, however, not present during the handover.
Walida was reportedly abducted in 2023 by a woman identified as Mariam and allegedly subjected to exploitation before she was later taken in by a DSS operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi. During that period, she reportedly gave birth to a baby girl in November 2025.
Efforts by her relatives to secure her release initially proved unsuccessful until legal interventions eventually led to her freedom from DSS custody.
Governor Namadi said Walida’s safety and welfare remain the priority of the Jigawa State Government, noting that she would remain under state protection in Abuja pending the conclusion of ongoing legal processes.
The Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, confirmed that the operative linked to the case remains in custody while investigations continue.
Also commenting on the development, Barrister Haroun Muhammad of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs warned that the case could generate social tension if not properly handled, urging authorities to ensure justice is served.
Governor Namadi reiterated that the Jigawa State Government would closely monitor the case to ensure accountability for those involved in Walida’s alleged abduction and exploitation.
