The Nigerian Bar Association, Dutse branch, has called for swift prosecution in the case involving a Department of State Services officer, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, accused of abducting and raping a teenage girl and coercing her to convert to Christianity and marry him.
The matter, which has simmered for more than two years, centres on the disappearance of 16-year-old Walida Abdullahi, whose family had declared her missing since 2023 and continued to search fruitlessly until her location was recently uncovered.
Details emerging from the case triggered nationwide outrage, compelling the NBA to issue a strong statement demanding accountability and strict enforcement of a court order directing Onyewuenyi’s arrest.
A court ruling issued on January 7, 2026, ordered security agencies to apprehend and probe the DSS officer.
The NBA Dutse branch, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, A.B. Umar, said the association expects total compliance now that the officer has reportedly been taken into custody.
Describing the allegations as “barbaric” and “a crass display of impunity,” the association said Abdullahi vanished at 16 and that her whereabouts remained unknown for more than two years despite frantic efforts by her father, Abdulhadi Ibrahim, and her late mother, who died during the search.
According to the statement, the dramatic breakthrough occurred when Onyewuenyi telephoned the victim’s father early this month, allegedly admitting he had held the girl in custody and instructing him to travel to Abuja for their “marriage”.
The NBA said it is aware of a standing court directive mandating a full investigation and expressed concern that the case involves multiple alleged offences, including abduction, unlawful detention, rape of a minor, abuse of office, forced conversion and forced marriage.
The association also disclosed that Abdullahi had reportedly given birth while in detention.
“This represents a gross abuse of authority from someone entrusted with national security,” Umar said, insisting the matter must be handled transparently and without interference.
The association pledged to monitor every stage of the investigation and prosecution to ensure accountability, urging residents to remain calm while the legal process takes its course.
“We shall ensure justice is not only done but seen to be done in the case of Miss Walida Abdullahi,” the NBA stated.
Earlier reports indicated that the DSS had detained Onyewuenyi following a petition submitted to security agencies on January 4 by Abuja-based firm, Gamji Lawchain.