Court Orders DSS to Transfer Officer to Police in Walida Abdulhadi Abduction Case

A Federal High Court in Dutse has directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to transfer one of its operatives, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, to the police for investigation over allegations involving the abduction and mistreatment of a 16-year-old girl, Walida Abdulhadi.

Justice Hassan Dikko, delivering judgment on Tuesday, April 29, 2026, also ordered the unconditional release of the teenager. Walida, from Hadejia Local Government Area, was reportedly taken by the operative and later returned to the Jigawa State Government following public outcry.

In his ruling, Justice Dikko dismissed claims of any internal investigation by the DSS, describing the agency’s actions as an attempt to shield its operative from accountability. He characterized the alleged conduct as condemnable and emphasized the need for due legal process.

Counsel to the family, Kabiru Adamu, welcomed the judgment, describing it as a victory for justice and the rule of law. He called on the police to carry out a transparent and timely investigation once the suspect is handed over.

The development follows an earlier order by a Magistrate’s Court in Hadejia, which had directed the release of the teenager and the transfer of the suspect to the police—a decision that was subsequently challenged by the DSS at the Federal High Court.