Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi has taken custody of Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim, the girl whose disappearance and subsequent recovery sparked controversy,.
Walida had since been held at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Abuja.
The handover took place late last night in the presence of senior officials from the Jigawa State Government, representatives of civil society organisations, and religious bodies, including the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).
Walida, a native of Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State, was reportedly taken away by a woman identified as Mariam before later resurfacing in Abuja in the company of a DSS agent.
Her family had sought legal intervention after efforts to regain custody were unsuccessful. A petition was filed by her uncle at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, and thereafter, the family approached a court in Jigawa State.
The court directed that Walida should be released to her parents, but the DSS filed a counter-motion, insisting that they were investigating the matter.
The raging controversy revolved around Walida’s alleged abduction and conversion to Christianity and suspected sexual exploitation of a minor.
Governor Namadi said the state government would assume responsibility for Walida’s welfare and protection while legal proceedings continue to address the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
“Our major concern is that she was taken away from her home. The matter will be resolved through the courts, and the state government will ensure that justice is done,” he said.
He explained that Walida would remain under government supervision in Abuja for now and would be provided with security and psychosocial support to help her recover.
“Taking her into our custody does not automatically mean that she will be taken back to Jigawa. Walida will be kept in Abuja for now and provided with adequate security,” he added.
The governor also stated that the child she delivered would be placed under the care of the Jigawa State Government pending the outcome of ongoing investigations and legal processes.
On his part, Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, said the agency acted within the framework of the law and prioritised Walida’s safety throughout the investigation.
He confirmed that a DSS officer allegedly linked to the case, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, remains in custody and would face appropriate legal consequences if found guilty. “He will face the music when found wanting. We have rules guiding our operations,” Ajayi stated.
According to him, several agencies, including law enforcement, civil defence, women’s rights organisations, and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, are working together to ensure proper handling of the case.
Governor Namadi assured that all outstanding issues, including the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, would be determined through due legal process, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting her rights and wellbeing.
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