NSCIA Launches Probe Into Alleged Abduction of Jigawa Woman Involving SSS Operative

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has commenced an inquiry into allegations that an operative of the State Security Service (SSS) abducted a young woman from Jigawa State, relocated her to Abuja, and impregnated her.

At the centre of the controversy are Walida Abdulhadi, a Muslim from Jigawa State, and Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, an SSS officer. The case has generated widespread public debate, particularly over claims of abduction, religious conversion, and the age of the woman at the time the relationship began.

Walida’s family alleges that she was taken from Jigawa to Abuja against her will, converted to Christianity, and impregnated while still underage. They insist she was born in 2008, making her a minor when the events reportedly began in 2023.

However, in an interview with Weekend Trust, Walida rejected those claims. She stated that she relocated to Abuja voluntarily in 2023 after being assisted by a woman identified as Mariam. She maintained that she was born in 2004 and was already 19 years old when she met Mr Onyewuenyi. She further denied being abducted or coerced into changing her religion.

The dispute over her age remains a critical issue in the case.

Tensions escalated after Walida reportedly declined to return to her family, alleging that her uncle threatened her life over her relationship with a Christian man. The SSS has since said she and her baby are being kept in “protective custody” for safety reasons.

Her family, however, is demanding her release, citing a magistrate court order and accusing the security agency of bias and anti-Islamic conduct.

Speaking on the development, the NSCIA confirmed it is engaging relevant stakeholders before taking a formal position. The Council’s Secretary-General, Ishaq Oloyede, said the body deliberately avoided rushing into public commentary.

He explained that the Council did not want to repeat what it described as the 2015 intervention by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the case involving Yunusa Dahiru and Ese Oruru, which drew national controversy.

Professor Oloyede also noted that the leadership history of the SSS does not suggest religious bias, adding that the Council intends to establish the facts before adopting a definitive stance.

Meanwhile, the Jigawa State Government has formally stepped into the matter.

In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel, the state government said it is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that all legal and administrative procedures are properly followed.

The statement added that Governor Umar Namadi has personally initiated high-level consultations with relevant authorities to guarantee that the case is handled fairly, transparently, and without delay.

The government reassured residents that it remains fully committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and welfare of every indigene of Jigawa State, while urging the public to remain calm as official and legal processes continue.