The Department of State Services, DSS, has released Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim to the Jigawa State Government after years in custody, Kano Times reports.
Governor Umar Namadi took custody of the young woman at the DSS headquarters in Abuja late Tuesday night, assuring that justice would prevail.
Speaking shortly after the handover, Namadi said the matter surrounding Walida’s alleged abduction would be resolved in court.
“Our concern is that Walida had been abducted. The issues involved will be tabled before a court of law for proper adjudication. It is a state matter and will be treated as such,” he said.
The governor added that Walida and her baby would remain under the custody of the Jigawa State Government pending the resolution of all legal issues.
“Taking her into our custody does not automatically mean she will be taken back to Jigawa. Walida will be kept in Abuja for now. She will be provided with adequate security,” he stated.
Namadi was accompanied by the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Bello Abdulkadir Fanini; and other top government officials.
Earlier, the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, said the Service acted in line with the law in keeping Walida in protective custody after recovering her in January 2026.
“It is unfortunate that people don’t learn from history in Nigeria. Our major concern is about the safety and the future of Walida. She is a young woman who has the right to live, and we have the responsibility to ensure she is safe while the matter is being investigated,” Ajayi said.
He disclosed that the DSS invited relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Medical Association, to assess her mental health status, stressing that the investigation was inter-agency.
Ajayi further confirmed that the DSS operative allegedly linked to the matter, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, remains in custody.
“He will face the music when found wanting. We have rules guiding our operations,” he added.
Walida was reportedly abducted in 2023 from Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State. Controversy trailed her disappearance, especially following reports of alleged sexual exploitation, conversion claims, and custody disputes.
The case gained renewed public attention after an exclusive interview granted by Walida was published by Weekend Trust on February 21, 2026, where she detailed her experiences.
Several civil society organisations, including the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, were present during the handover in Abuja.
The DSS maintained that despite transferring custody to the state government, it would continue working with other relevant agencies to ensure justice is served.
