The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, said 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 centred on Walida Abdulhadi, a young Muslim woman from Jigawa State, and a DSS operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi.
The development has attracted public attention and debate over the relationship between Mr Onyewuenyi, a Christian, and Walida, a Muslim with regards to the circumstances surrounding the birth of their baby, and Walida’s subsequent conversion to Christianity.
While Walida’s family claimed 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, the lady in question gave a counter narrative to the story.
In a recent interview Walida granted Weekend Trust, she pointedly disputed her family’s claims, saying that she met Mr Onyewuenyi in Abuja after being brought to th nation’s capital by a woman identified as Mariam.
Walida insisted that she was neither abducted nor forcibly converted to Christianity, emphasising that she was already an adult when she relocated to Abuja in 2023.
One of the key points of dispute is Walida’s date of birth which her family claimed was in 2008, thus a minor when the events began in 2023.
But Walida disputed the claim, as she said that she was born in 2004 and was 19 years old when she arrived in Abuja and met Mr Onyewuenyi.
Walida explained that the matter escalated after she refused to return to her parents, alleging that her uncle had threatened to kill her for getting involved with a Christian man.
Walida, who is presently a mother of a baby girl is currently in what the DSS describes as “protective custody,” pending when the issues would be harmoniously resolved.
However, the family of Walida is demanding her release, citing a Magistrate’s court order, just as they are accusing the DSS of alleged bias and anti-Islamic conduct.
In its response, the DSS explained that it is holding Walida and her baby for their safety, following her claim that her uncle issued death threats against her.
Following the development, the NSCIA, being the apex Islamic body in Nigeria, said it has formally stepped into the matter.
The Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, confirmed that the body was already engaging relevant stakeholders to enable it make an informed decision, saying; “We are already looking into the matter”.
Prof. Oloyede explained that the Council had exercised restraint for two reasons.
According to him; “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 enthused.
Similarly, the Jigawa State Government on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, also said that it has formally intervened in the case.
A statement by Hamisu Gumel, Spokesperson to the Governor, said the state is following up on the case to ensure that all appropriate legal and administrative processes are diligently observed.
Gumel further said that the Jigawa State Government is working closely with other relevant authorities to safeguard the rights and interests of the affected citizens.
“Beyond institutional engagement, Governor Umar Namadi has personally, alongside other top government functionaries, initiated high-level contacts and consultations with the appropriate authorities to ensure that the case is handled fairly, transparently, and expeditiously,” Gumel said.
He therefore assured the people of Jigawa and members of the public that the State Government is on top of the situation.
Gumel assured that the protection of the rights, dignity, and welfare of every Jigawa indigene remains a core responsibility and top priority of Governor Namadi-led administration.
He further said; “While efforts to resolve the matter are ongoing, the government sincerely appreciates the concern, solidarity, and prayers expressed by citizens”.
Gumel therefore appealed to members of the public to remain calm and allow the necessary legal and official processes to run their course.
