The father of Walida Ibrahim, the Jigawa State teenager whose disappearance in 2023 sparked widespread controversy, Abdulhadi Ibrahim, alongside groups advocating for her rights, has demanded justice as the Department of State Services hands over the girl to the Jigawa State Government.

The Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the DSS National Headquarters in Abuja, Favour Dozie, confirmed that the transfer occurred around 5:45 pm on February 26, 2026.

Walida was allegedly abducted from Hadejia, Jigawa State, over two years ago and reportedly subjected to sexual abuse and forceful conversion to Christianity by DSS officer Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi.

According to a petition dated January 4, 2026, by Gamji Lawchain, representing the family, Walida was only 16 when she disappeared. Her family’s prolonged search led to the death of her mother due to emotional trauma.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH on Saturday, Abdulhadi Ibrahim expressed gratitude for public support and Governor Namadi’s intervention.

He said, “I’m grateful for the support and concern shown by the public and still demand justice for my daughter.”

Kabiru Adamu, representing the family, also spoke to PUNCH, vowing to pursue accountability.

He said, “We’ll pursue this case to the end. The law will take its course.”

Adamu praised the governor’s efforts, adding, “This is a very memorable day and historic that Walida Abdulhadi has secured her freedom.

“We thank Governor Namadi for the quick and timely response he gave and the decisive actions he has taken. He’s taken the bull by the horns, travelling to Abuja to ensure the release of his citizen – it’s a wonderful job.”

He further stressed that the work was far from over: “The job did not stop there. We’re still calling on the Governor to keep on what he has started, to move inches further to ensure the compliance of the court order by bringing the suspect down to Jigawa State, handing him over to the police, and conducting a discreet investigation into this matter.

“We want justice to be served, and we believe the Governor will ensure that happens. We’ve seen his commitment so far, and we’re confident he’ll see this through to the end. The ball is now in his court.”

The leader of a group advocating for Walida’s rights and Chairman of the Civil Society Coalition on Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution, Musbahu Basirka, said, “We demand justice for Walida. The DSS and government must ensure the perpetrator faces the law.”

He welcomed her release, describing it as “a positive and reassuring development that helps rebuild public trust,” while commending Governor Namadi’s “prompt and strategic intervention, which made her return possible and eased growing public concern.”

He added, “Her release must mark the beginning, not the end of the justice process. We call for accountability and fair proceedings.”

Basirka vowed to continue advocacy efforts, stating, “As a coalition, we will continue to engage constructively to ensure that justice is comprehensive, lawful, and protective of the most vulnerable in our society.”

The Jigawa State Government, through Commissioner of Women Affairs Hadiza Abdulwab, confirmed that Walida is receiving care under her ministry.

She said, “We’re providing her with medical and psychological support. We urge the public to continue supporting us.” Abdulwab also assured that the government is committed to pursuing justice, adding, “The government is committed to ensuring that those responsible for Walida’s abduction and abuse are held accountable, and we’ll continue to work with relevant agencies to achieve this.”

It was reported that after months of silence, public outcry, and intervention by the Jigawa State Government, the DSS finally released Walida Abdulhadi, the 16-year-old girl allegedly abducted and abused by a DSS officer, to Governor Namadi on Wednesday night, following a court order secured by her family’s law firm.

Despite her release, the suspected officer, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, remains at large, prompting continued outrage and demands for justice, as the court had directed his production before the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police. (The PUNCH)