In a remarkable turn of events, a determined farmer from Jigawa State has been reunited with his teenage daughter more than two years after she disappeared from their home. The breakthrough came following a mysterious phone call that led him directly to the nation's capital, Abuja, and into a complex case now involving a detained officer of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Mysterious Call That Broke Two Years of Silence
Malam Abdulhadi Ibrahim, a 45-year-old farmer from Hadejia, Jigawa State, had endured over 24 months of anguish after his daughter, Walida Ibrahim, vanished at the age of 16. Despite extensive family searches within their community, no trace of her was found. Following local counsel, the family relied on prayers rather than reporting to the police.
This painful uncertainty finally ended when Abdulhadi received an unexpected call from Abuja. The caller, who struggled with Hausa, eventually passed the phone to a woman who spoke clearly. She confirmed Walida's identity and stated the girl was with them in Abuja, being prepared for marriage. She instructed Abdulhadi to travel immediately.
Shocked by the demand, Abdulhadi declined and instead directed the callers to his brother, Muhammad Badamasi Ibrahim, who was based in Abuja. This decision set in motion the successful trace to his daughter's location.
A Trail Leading to DSS Quarters and Allegations of Abuse
Muhammad Badamasi Ibrahim followed the clues, which initially led him to the Kuchigoro area of Abuja before he was directed to what he described as DSS quarters. There, he was informed that Walida was with a colleague and that wedding plans were underway.
Muhammad objected on religious grounds and expressed deep concern that Walida, taken as a minor, was being married off. He reported being threatened during the discussion, with the individuals claiming they would not release the girl and would kill her if she returned home.
Upon finally reaching his niece, Abdulhadi discovered distressing details. He alleged that during her captivity, Walida had been converted to Christianity and had become pregnant. He further claimed the baby was delivered via Caesarean Section because Walida was not physically mature enough for childbirth. The family's tragedy was compounded by the death of Walida's mother two months prior, after a prolonged period of grief linked to the disappearance.
Legal Action and Mounting Pressure for Justice
The case was brought before a Magistrate Court in Jigawa State, which issued significant orders. The court mandated the arrest of a DSS operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, who is accused of abducting and abusing the girl. The magistrate also directed the police to conduct a thorough investigation and ordered Walida's immediate release and reunion with her family.
The DSS has confirmed the development, stating in a release that an active staff member, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, suspected of forcefully converting and marrying Walida Abdulhadi, has been arrested and is under investigation.
Legal pressure is intensifying to ensure accountability. Lawyers representing the family have petitioned for prosecution and independent scrutiny of the involved facility. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Jigawa has also called for a swift, transparent investigation and full compliance with the court's order, vowing to monitor proceedings closely.
As the legal process continues, the Ibrahim family holds onto hope that justice will prevail, bringing a painful chapter that reshaped their lives to a definitive close.
