Newscenter Media News 
The Department of State Services, DSS,; has responded to allegations that one of its staff members abducted and defiled a minor.
A magistrate court in Hadejia, Jigawa State, had ordered the arrest and investigation of the operative following claims that he abducted a 16-year-old girl, unlawfully detained her, and forced her to convert to another religion.
The case arose from a petition filed by a lawyer, Gamji Lawchain, who acted on behalf of the father of the girl identified as Walida Ibrahim.
The petition alleged that the officer had abducted Walida over two years ago, held her in unlawful detention, sexually exploited her, and forced her conversion from Islam to Christianity without parental consent.
It also claimed she gave birth while underage.
The petitioners condemned the abuse of power and called for the immediate suspension, arrest, and prosecution of Festus, along with an independent investigation of the DSS facility at Karmajji.
The lawyers stressed the severe psychological trauma inflicted on Walida’s family, noting that the prolonged distress contributed to the death of her mother.
In a statement released on January 9, 2026, Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the DSS National Headquarters, confirmed that the case is currently under investigation and assured that the findings would be made public.
She also clarified that the operative involved is Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, not Ifeanyi Festus as mentioned in the petition.
“The attention of Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to reports alleging involvement of a staff of DSS, one Ifeanyi Festus, in a case of abduction, defilement of a minor and abuse of office among other offences.
“For clarity, the Service has no record of above named in its employment.
“However, it is hereby confirmed that, an active staff, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, who is suspected to have forcefully converted and married one Walida Abdulhadi ‘f’, has been arrested and is currently being investigated.
“It must be stressed that, such acts are against our regulations and laid down code of conduct. As such, outcome of the investigation will be made public, please,” the statement read.
DSS speaks on arrest of operative over alleged abduction of minor