A Federal High Court in Jigawa has adjourned the case of Walida Abdulhadi, a teenager allegedly abducted and sexually abused by a Department of State Security operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, to April 28 for judgment.
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Recall that the court had, on March 11, adjourned the hearing on the case to today, allowing the defence counsel to prepare their counter affidavit.
Recalll that Walida Abdulhadi, a resident of Hadejia Local Government Area, was allegedly abducted and sexually abused by Onyewuenyi, a DSS operative, in 2023.
During today’s court sitting (Thursday), held via Zoom, the defence counsel, Abdulmalik Sani, requested an extension of time to file a counter affidavit, citing the need to gather more information.
In his submission, the prosecuting counsel, Kabir Adamu, informed the court that he was ready to proceed, and objected the request of the defence counsel seeking another more time to put his house in order.
“The respondents, through their lawyer, applied for a little time to put their house in order as they claimed they’re preparing their counter affidavit and need some information to set their records straight,” Adamu said.
The trial judge, Justice Hassan Dikko, adjourned the case until April 28, 2026, for judgment on the case after listening to all sides.
While interviewed by a correspondent shortly after the court sitting in Dutse, the Prosecution Counsel, Kabir Adamu, reiterated their request for the higher court to uphold the earlier order of the Hadejia magistrate court.
He revealed that the Hadejia magistrate court had earlier directed the DSS to release Walida, the abducted girl, to her parents without conditions, and produce the suspected DSS officer, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, to the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police for investigation.”
Adamu explained that the DSS authority had countered the magistrate court’s order by filing a suit at the Federal High Court, seeking to prevent the execution of the order.
Adamu, who expressed confidence that the court would grant their application, emphasised that the DSS’s actions were obstructing justice. “The DSS’s involvement in this case as an interested party is a clear conflict of interest, and we believe it’s essential for the court to intervene to ensure a fair investigation and prosecution,” he said.
He urged the DSS authority to cooperate with the court and hand over the suspect to the police for investigation, adding that the prosecution’s primary concern was Walida’s safety and well-being.
“We’re committed to seeing this case through to its logical conclusion and ensuring that justice is served,” he said.
He stated further that “We are in court today to move the court to grant an application seeking the unconditional release and reunification of the victim with her family.”
Prosecuting counsel, Barrister Kabiru Adamu and Walida’s father (Abdulhadi) shortly after the FHC sitting. Photo credit: Salisu Kabuga
However, the prosecution counsel emphasised that the DSS’s involvement in the case as an interested party negates their interest, and conducting an investigation would compromise a fair hearing.
“The DSS has been accused of obstructing the investigation and prosecution of Onyewuenyi,” he added.
The case has continued to spark widespread concern and outrage, with many calling for swift investigation and action against the accused.
Our correspondent reports that during today’s court sitting, only the prosecuting counsel, family members of the victim, court secretariat staff, and journalists were present in the courtroom, as the trial judge presided over the sitting via Zoom.
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