A coalition of civil society and women’s groups has cautioned the Department of State Services (DSS) against obstructing an independent investigation into the alleged abduction of a teenager, Walida Abdulhadi, reportedly involving one of its personnel, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi.

The coalition, under the aegis of the Concerned Coalition for Walida Abdulhadi, includes the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and Women in Da’awah (WID), among others.

Addressing a world press conference on Monday, the group maintained that the DSS cannot act as investigator, defender and final authority in a case involving one of its own officers.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen said strong institutions do not fear scrutiny but welcome it, noting that truth vindicates the innocent and exposes wrongdoing where it exists.

He expressed concern that Walida is reportedly being held within the premises of the DSS headquarters, an institution directly linked to the allegation.

According to him, the Service cannot serve as judge in a matter involving its staff.

He said the development was troubling and alleged that rather than facilitating reunification in line with reported judicial directives, actions taken so far had created the impression of a cover-up capable of influencing public opinion while court processes are still pending.

“We approach this matter from the standpoint of constitutionalism, humanity and justice. Our concern is not anchored in religious rivalry or sectarian sentiment. Rather, it is grounded in the fundamental principles that govern any civilised democratic society,” he said.

The coalition called on the DSS to allow due process to run its course and permit the truth to emerge through constitutional means, insisting that justice must be pursued without fear or favour.

It also questioned why the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) was not included in the committee set up to review the matter, given its statutory responsibility in cases involving minors and trafficking.

The group further criticised what it described as a shift in public discourse regarding Walida’s age, alleging that she was initially reported to be 16 but is now being presented as 22.

“Earlier reports, including by Premium Times, and consistent statements attributed to her father indicated she was 16 at the time she allegedly left home. The difference between 16 and 22 is not cosmetic, it is legally decisive. If she was 16, the matter clearly falls under child protection laws and attracts heightened legal safeguards. If she is 22, the case is reframed as one involving an adult capable of independent decision-making.

“The apparent change in her age from 16 to 22 demands independent documentary verification through birth, school records or other lawful documentation. Age cannot be established through media declaration,” he said.

He warned that any real or perceived attempt to alter her age without transparent verification could undermine public confidence in the process.

Describing the case as a test of the country’s commitment to justice and the rule of law, Salahudeen stressed that parental and guardianship rights are legally recognised and cannot be set aside except through due judicial process.

“Where a court of competent jurisdiction has issued directives, compliance is not discretionary. Obedience to court orders is the backbone of constitutional governance,” he added.

The coalition also cautioned that in a religiously sensitive country like Nigeria, mishandling the matter could have consequences beyond the immediate parties involved. (Daily Trust)