The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) on Wednesday confirmed it has begun an inquiry into allegations involving a State Security Service (SSS) operative accused of abducting a minor from Jigawa State, taking her to Abuja, and impregnating her.
The controversy involves Walida Abdulhadi, a young Muslim woman from Jigawa State, and an SSS operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, a Christian. The case has sparked widespread public debate over the nature of their relationship, the birth of their child, and Walida’s reported conversion to Christianity.
Walida’s family alleges that she was abducted from Jigawa, transported to Abuja, converted to Christianity against her will, and impregnated while still underage.
However, in a recent interview with Weekend Trust, Walida rejected those claims. She stated that she relocated to Abuja in 2023 after being brought there by a woman identified as Mariam, and insisted she was neither abducted nor forced to change her religion. She also maintained that she was an adult at the time.
A major point of contention is her age. Her family claims she was born in 2008, making her a minor in 2023. Walida, on the other hand, says she was born in 2004 and was 19 years old when she moved to Abuja and met Mr. Onyewuenyi.
The situation intensified after Walida reportedly refused to return home, alleging that her uncle threatened her life over her relationship with a Christian man. The SSS has stated that she and her baby are currently in “protective custody” for their safety.
Her family, however, is demanding her release, citing a magistrate court order, and has accused the SSS of bias and anti-Islamic conduct.
NSCIA Begins Inquiry
The NSCIA, Nigeria’s apex Islamic body, has formally stepped into the matter.
Speaking on Wednesday, the Council’s Secretary-General, Ishaq Oloyede, confirmed that the organisation is engaging relevant stakeholders to establish the facts before taking a position.
“We are already looking into the matter,” he said.
Professor Oloyede explained that the Council had initially exercised caution for two reasons. First, to avoid acting prematurely without verifying the facts. Second, because the track record of the SSS Director-General does not suggest religious bias, making it necessary to conduct a thorough and balanced investigation.
He added that meetings had already been scheduled to address the issue.
Jigawa State Government Responds
The Jigawa State Government has also confirmed its involvement in the matter.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel, said the state government has formally taken steps to ensure all legal and administrative procedures are properly followed. He noted that authorities are working closely with relevant institutions to protect the rights and interests of the affected citizen.
The statement added that Governor Umar Namadi has personally engaged in high-level consultations with appropriate authorities to ensure the case is handled fairly, transparently, and swiftly.
The government assured residents that it remains committed to safeguarding the dignity and welfare of every indigene of Jigawa State.
While investigations continue, the state government appealed to the public to remain calm and allow due legal processes to take their course.
