MURIC to DSS: Release Walida

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to comply with a subsisting court order directing the immediate release of an abducted minor, Walida Abdulhadi, currently in the agency’s protective custody in Abuja, and reunite her with her parents in Hadejia, Jigawa State. The group also called […]

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to comply with a subsisting court order directing the immediate release of an abducted minor, Walida Abdulhadi, currently in the agency’s protective custody in Abuja, and reunite her with her parents in Hadejia, Jigawa State.

The group also called on the police authorities to arrest and prosecute Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, her alleged abductor, in line with the court’s directive.

In a statement issued by its Kano State Chairman, Malam Hassan Sani Indabawa, MURIC said a court of competent jurisdiction on January 7, 2026, ordered the DSS to “immediately release/reunite the victim (Walida Abdulhadi) to her parents.”

Indabawa expressed concern that the orders have yet to be enforced despite what he described as ongoing reforms under the DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, whom he commended for promoting accountability, transparency and respect for human rights.

He said it was perplexing that an alleged case of abduction, rape and forced conversion — alongside disobedience to a court order — could remain unresolved under the current leadership.

Jigawa govt assures fair process

Meanwhile, the Jigawa State Government has assured residents that it is actively addressing the case involving Walida Abdulhadi, an indigene of the state, following growing public concern and widespread reactions.

In a statement on Tuesday, the government said it has been fully aware of the matter since it came to light and has taken proactive steps to resolve it.

The statement, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, noted that the administration considers the issue sensitive, given its emotional significance to Walida’s family and the people of the state.

He said Governor Umar Namadi has initiated high-level consultations with top officials to guarantee a fair, transparent and timely process.

It urged the public to remain calm as due process continues, assuring that a detailed statement will be issued in due course.