The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested its operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, who was accused of abducting, unlawfully detaining, and forcing the religious conversion and marrying a 16-year-old girl, Walida Ibrahim.
Recall that a Magistrate Court in Hadejia, Jigawa State, had ordered the arrest and investigation of the operative over allegations of abducting, unlawfully detaining, and forcing the religious conversion of the girl.
This followed a petition by a group of lawyers under Gamji Lawchain, who acted on behalf of the father of the girl.
The petition alleged that the officer had abducted Walida over two years ago, held her in unlawful detention, sexually exploited her, and forced her conversion from Islam to Christianity without parental consent.
It also claimed she gave birth while underage.
The DSS, in a statement issued on Saturday signed by the deputy director, public relations and strategic communications, Favour Dozier, confirmed the arrest and detention of the suspect while investigation of the case was ongoing .
The DSS also stated that the name of its staff involved in the case is Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi as against Ifeanyi Festus contained in the petition and noted that the outcome of the investigation would be made public.
Part of the DSS statement read that:
“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.”