DSS Arrests Operative Over Alleged Abduction, Forced Conversion of 16-Year-Old Girl
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested one of its operatives, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, over allegations of abducting, unlawfully detaining, forcibly converting the religion of, and marrying a 16-year-old girl, Walida Ibrahim.
The arrest follows an earlier order by a Magistrate Court sitting in Hadejia, Jigawa State, which directed the arrest and investigation of the DSS operative over allegations of abduction, unlawful detention and forced religious conversion.
The court order was issued after a petition submitted by a group of lawyers under Gamji Lawchain, acting on behalf of the girl’s father. The petition alleged that the officer abducted Walida over two years ago, kept her in unlawful detention, sexually exploited her, and forced her conversion from Islam to Christianity without parental consent. It further alleged that she gave birth while underage.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozier, the DSS confirmed the arrest and detention of the suspect, stating that investigations were ongoing.
The DSS also clarified that the name of its staff involved in the case is Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, and not Ifeanyi Festus as stated in the petition, adding that the outcome of the investigation would be made public.
Part of the DSS statement read:
“The attention of Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to reports alleging involvement of a staff of DSS, one Ifeanyi Festus, in a case of abduction, defilement of a minor and abuse of office among other offences.
“For clarity, the Service has no record of above named in its employment. However, it is hereby 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 must be stressed that, such acts are against our regulations and laid down code of conduct. As such, outcome of the investigation will be made public, please.”
Related to this topic:
