A lawyer and rights activist, Hamza N. Dantani Esq., has demanded a transparent and thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of Department of State Services (DSS) operative Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi in Walida Abdulhadi’s case.
Dantani made the call on Thursday following the reported transfer on Wednesday night of Walida to Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi by the DSS leadership in Abuja.
Dantani lauded the governor’s assurance that all issues surrounding Walida’s alleged abduction would be subjected to judicial determination, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to her safety, protection, and recovery.
“We express our sincere appreciation to His Excellency, the Jigawa State Government, the committee constituted on this matter, members of the general public who consistently raised concerns, and the DSS for responding to the collective call and conscience of Nigerians,” Dantani stated.
However, the activist urged that any DSS personnel found to be directly involved in the alleged acts surrounding Walida’s ordeal must not be shielded.
Specifically naming Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, Dantani called for a full investigation, stressing that if culpability is established, he must be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Dantani highlighted the ethical and legal breaches, stating, “As a law enforcement officer, such an individual ought to have immediately traced and contacted Walida’s parents in her state of origin upon the initial claim of abduction.”
He condemned the alleged act of keeping a minor in personal custody, subjecting her to sexual abuse leading to pregnancy and childbirth without parental knowledge or consent, calling it “morally reprehensible, culturally unacceptable, and constitutes grave offences under Nigerian law.”
Beyond the immediate case, Dantani used the unfortunate incident as a “sobering reminder to parents and guardians of the critical responsibility of supervising and caring for children.”
He advocated for active parental monitoring, ensuring proper education, moral orientation, and emotional support, and cautioned against imposing adult responsibilities on minors.
The statement expressed hope that Walida will be fully reunited with her family and for the ultimate triumph of justice, accountability, and healing.
