NSCIA Intervenes in Walida–DSS Operative Controversy, Begins Inquiry

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, announced that it has commenced an inquiry into allegations that a male operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly abducted a minor from Jigawa State, brought her to Abuja, and impregnated her.

The controversy centres on Walida Abdulhadi, a young Muslim woman from Jigawa State, and a DSS operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi.
The development has drawn public attention and sparked debate over the relationship between Mr Onyewuenyi, a Christian, and Walida, a Muslim, particularly regarding the circumstances surrounding the birth of their baby and Walida’s subsequent conversion to Christianity.
While Walida’s family alleged that Onyewuenyi abducted her from her native Jigawa State, transported her to Abuja, converted her to Christianity, and impregnated her while she was still a minor, Walida has offered a different account.
In a recent interview granted to Weekend Trust, she firmly refuted her family’s claims, stating that she met Mr Onyewuenyi in Abuja after being brought to the nation’s capital by a woman identified as Mariam.
Walida maintained that she was neither abducted nor forcibly converted to Christianity, stressing that she was already an adult when she relocated to Abuja in 2023.
A key point of contention is her date of birth. Her family claimed she was born in 2008, which would make her a minor at the time the events reportedly began in 2023.
However, Walida disputed this, insisting she was born in 2004 and was 19 years old when she arrived in Abuja and met Mr Onyewuenyi.
She further explained that the situation escalated after she declined to return to her parents, alleging that her uncle had threatened to kill her for becoming involved with a Christian man.
Walida, now a mother of a baby girl, is currently in what the DSS describes as “protective custody,” pending a resolution of the issues.
Her family, however, is demanding her release, citing a Magistrate Court order, and accusing the DSS of bias and anti-Islamic conduct.
In response, the DSS stated that it is holding Walida and her baby for their safety, following her claim that her uncle issued death threats against her.
Following the unfolding developments, the NSCIA, as the apex Islamic body in Nigeria, confirmed that it has formally stepped into the matter.
The Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed that the Council is engaging relevant stakeholders to enable it reach an informed position, saying: “We are already looking into the matter.”
Prof Oloyede explained that the Council exercised restraint for two reasons.
“One is that we do not want to behave like the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which in 2015 instigated what many considered an unfair trial of a Muslim Kano man, Yunusa Dahiru, accused of abducting a Christian Bayelsa girl, Ese Oruru.
“CAN jumped into the matter without verifying the allegations. In the end, the Kano man went to jail but has continued to insist on his innocence.
“The second reason we have been careful is that the antecedents of the DSS Director-General do not portray him as a religious bigot. So, we must conduct a thorough investigation to determine the facts.
“But I can assure you we are working on it. Even today, we have meetings lined up over the same matter,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Jigawa State Government on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, also confirmed that it has formally intervened in the case.
In a statement, the spokesperson to the Governor, Hamisu Gumel, said the state is following up on the matter to ensure that all appropriate legal and administrative procedures are diligently observed.
Gumel stated that the Jigawa State Government is working closely with relevant authorities to safeguard the rights and interests of the affected citizens.
“Beyond institutional engagement, Governor Umar Namadi has personally, alongside other top government officials, initiated high-level contacts and consultations with the appropriate authorities to ensure that the case is handled fairly, transparently, and expeditiously,” Gumel said.
He assured the people of Jigawa State and the general public that the State Government is on top of the situation.
Gumel emphasised that protecting the rights, dignity, and welfare of every Jigawa indigene remains a core responsibility and top priority of the Namadi-led administration.
He added: “While efforts to resolve the matter are ongoing, the government sincerely appreciates the concern, solidarity, and prayers expressed by citizens.”
He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and allow the necessary legal and official processes to take their course.