The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed that Walida Abdullahi, the young woman at the centre of a widely debated alleged abduction and forced conversion case, is currently in protective custody pending the outcome of investigations.
The development follows days of intense public scrutiny, legal arguments and religious undertones surrounding claims that she was abducted and coerced into marriage and conversion. However, fresh details emerging from multiple meetings convened by the DSS suggest a more complex situation than earlier portrayed.
Akahi News gathered that representatives of civil society groups, including the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), and the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA), were invited by the DSS to observe proceedings and ensure transparency.
DSS: Protective Custody Based on Safety Concerns
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists, an Acting Deputy Director-General of the DSS explained that Walida is being held for her safety after she allegedly expressed fear of returning to her family.
According to the Service, initial allegations suggested she was a minor. However, internal investigations and documentation reportedly indicated that she was born in 2004, making her an adult under Nigerian law.
Akahi News learnt that DSS officials stated Walida expressed concerns that her life could be in danger if she was compelled to reunite with her family. The Service maintained that once an individual communicates credible fears for personal safety, it becomes the agency’s responsibility to provide protection.
The DSS also confirmed that the officer accused in the matter, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, is undergoing internal disciplinary procedures. Officials assured that if found culpable, he would face appropriate sanctions in line with the law.
Medical Evaluation and Age Controversy
A key turning point in the matter was the controversy over Walida’s age and mental state.
Barrister Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, Chairperson of FIDA Abuja Branch, disclosed that she personally interviewed Walida and found her coherent and mentally stable. She stated that documentation presented by authorities indicated a birth year of 2004, reportedly authenticated by the National Population Commission (NPC).
However, a separate birth certificate allegedly procured in December 2025 listed 2008 as her year of birth, suggesting she was underage at the time of her relationship with the accused officer.
Following concerns raised by the family’s legal representatives regarding her psychological state, a medical evaluation was conducted by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). According to participants present, the assessment reportedly concluded that Walida was of sound mind.
Akahi News gathered that despite being instrumental in requesting the evaluation, the family was absent at the most recent meeting where the outcome was presented — a development that surprised several stakeholders in attendance.
Family’s Legal Action and Court Proceedings
The matter has now taken a legal dimension.
DSS officials confirmed that Walida’s parents have approached the court, reportedly seeking her release. The Service stated it has applied for a vacation of the order directing her release, with a ruling date expected.
Civil society representatives have urged caution and restraint, emphasising the need to prioritise Walida’s welfare and that of her child.
Members of the Arewa Youth Assembly and National Youth Council indicated that discussions with the family had been tense, with alleged statements attributed to a relative raising concerns about potential harm if she returns home. These claims remain allegations and have not been independently verified in court.
Public Reaction and Religious Undertones
The case has sparked heated reactions online, with opinions sharply divided along religious and social lines.
Some commentators argue that the issue centres on alleged forced conversion and abduction, while others maintain it is primarily a family dispute compounded by religious sensitivities. Comparisons have also been drawn to past high-profile cases involving alleged abduction and conversion of young women in northern Nigeria.
However, analysts caution against premature conclusions. The constitutional position remains that any adult of sound mind has the right to freedom of association, religion and movement, subject to due process.
The outcome of the court proceedings will likely shape the next phase of this matter. Meanwhile, the DSS insists it is acting within its mandate to protect life and ensure fairness.
FIDA has pledged to continue monitoring developments to safeguard Walida’s rights, while youth organisations say they are focused on ensuring a peaceful and lawful resolution.
As investigations and legal processes unfold, observers say the case highlights broader societal tensions around religion, parental authority, women’s autonomy and the responsibilities of security agencies.
For now, Walida remains in protective custody — at the heart of a case that has gripped public attention and reignited debate about rights, faith and family in Nigeria.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
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