The Department of State Services (DSS) says Walida Abdullahi is being held in protective custody pending the conclusion of an internal investigation into allegations involving a suspected DSS operative.
Mr. Patrick, Acting Deputy Director-General of the DSS, told journalists on Friday that information about the matter emerged from open sources and prompted the Service to open an inquiry. “The Service immediately commenced investigation,” he said, adding that the probe is being run in tandem with internal disciplinary procedures for the officer identified as Ifeanyi.
Mr. Patrick said Ifeanyi is currently subject to an internal disciplinary process that is “almost concluded” and that any sanctions will follow established procedures. “Ifeanyi will face appropriate disciplinary measures as prescribed by law if he is found guilty and the outcome will be communicated to all parties concerned and the public,” he said.
Protective custody and medical assessment
The DSS official explained that Walida had expressed fears for her safety and, after verification, was found to be an adult — a development that raised questions about the credibility of claims regarding her age. “Walida has expressed some fears about her safety in the course of this investigation,” Mr. Patrick said. “Therefore, once somebody expresses fear about their safety, it becomes incumbent on the Service to protect that person.”
Asked whether Walida was in protective custody, he replied: “Sure, sure, because of her concerns about her safety.” He added that how long she remains in DSS custody will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
The Service said it arranged for a medical evaluation by the National Body of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) after stakeholders at previous meetings questioned Walida’s mental stability and raised concerns about information she had provided. Mr. Patrick said the choice of the NMA — rather than the National Hospital, which had earlier been discussed — was intended to ensure neutrality.
Stakeholders, court action and outreach
Several stakeholder groups were present during the meeting at the DSS, including representatives of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA), along with Walida and DSS officials. Mr. Patrick said the Service invited these groups “to ensure transparency” and to demonstrate fairness.
Walida’s parents, however, did not attend the meeting. Mr. Patrick said he was surprised by their absence and that they had indicated they would not participate because they did not witness the medical evaluation. The parents have reportedly commenced court action in Jigawa seeking Walida’s release; the DSS has applied for vacation of a court order and was told a ruling date has been fixed.
Allegations and comparisons
The case has drawn national attention and comparisons to previous high-profile incidents. When asked about public anxieties that the matter resembled the Ese Oruru case, Mr. Patrick urged Nigerians to await due process. “I want to advise Nigerians to always have confidence in the system and never to jump to hasty conclusions, until due processes are applied in order to find out the truth of the matter,” he said.
Addressing claims that the DSS was protecting one of its own, Mr. Patrick rejected the suggestion. “There is no such thing in the DSS as protecting any staff who is suspected of having gone foul of the law,” he said, noting that the Service has in recent times dismissed and issued disclaimers on staff found to have breached rules or committed offenses.
Next steps
Mr. Patrick said the DSS hopes for an amicable resolution and supports alternative dispute resolution where appropriate. He stressed that the Service’s decisions have been communicated to the family and that all actions taken so far were jointly agreed upon with stakeholders.
A final determination on custody and any disciplinary outcome for the officer involved will be guided by the ongoing investigation and pending court rulings. The DSS has pledged to keep relevant parties and the public informed of developments.
