DSS arrests operative over alleged abduction, forced conversion, marriage of teen in Jigawa

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested one of its operatives, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, following allegations that he abducted, unlawfully detained, and forced the religious conversion and marriage of a 16-year-old girl, Walida Ibrahim, in Jigawa State.

The arrest followed an order by a Magistrate Court in Hadejia, which directed security agencies to investigate the DSS operative after a petition was filed by lawyers under the Gamji Lawchain on behalf of the girl’s father.

In the petition, the lawyers alleged that the operative abducted the teenager over two years ago, kept her in unlawful detention, exploited her, and compelled her to convert from Islam to Christianity without the consent of her parents.

The petition also claimed that the girl gave birth while still underage.

Confirming the development in a statement issued on Saturday, the DSS, through its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozier, said the suspect had been arrested and was currently under investigation.

The service clarified that contrary to the name mentioned in the petition, the staff involved is Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi and not Ifeanyi Festus, noting that it had no employee by the latter name.

“The attention of the Department of State Services has been drawn to reports alleging the involvement of a staff of the DSS, one Ifeanyi Festus, in a case of abduction, defilement of a minor, and abuse of office,” the statement said.

“For clarity, the Service has no record of the above-named in its employment.

However, it is confirmed that an active staff, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, who is suspected to have forcefully converted and married one Walida Abdulhadi, has been arrested and is currently being investigated,” it added.

The DSS stressed that such actions are contrary to its regulations and code of conduct, assuring the public that the outcome of the investigation would be made public.