DSS confirms arrest of operative accused of marrying teenager

The Department of State Services (DSS) has broken its silence on the abduction and defilement of a minor by one of its staff member.

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 16-year-old girl.

This followed a petition by a group of lawyers under Gamji Lawchain, who acted on behalf of the father of the girl identified as Walida Ibrahim.

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 petitioners condemned the abuse of power and called for the immediate suspension, arrest, and prosecution of Festus, along with an independent investigation of the DSS facility at Karmajji.

The lawyers stressed the severe psychological trauma inflicted on Walida’s family, noting that the prolonged distress contributed to the death of her mother.

Reacting in a statement issued on January 9, 2026, Favour Dozie, Deputy Director Public Relations and Strategic Communications at National Headquarters of the State Services, said the case was under investigation and the outcome would be made public.

She also clarified that the name of the operative involved is Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi as against Ifeanyi Festus contained in the petition.

“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 ‘f’, 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.”

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