By MUHAMMAD NASIR BASHIR

A Federal High Court in Dutse, fixed March 26 for hearing in the application for the unconditional release of a 15-year-old girl (name withheld) allegedly abducted from Hadejia local government area.

The girl’s parents accused an operative of the Department of State Security (DSS). Mr Ifeanyi Onyewueny of abducting and sexually abusing her.

When the case was called, the prosecution, counsel, Mr Kabir Adamu, informed the court that he was ready to proceed.

On his part, defence counsel, Mr Abdulmalik Sani, requested the court for extension of time to file counter affidavit.

Sani, consequently, sought a date for hearing of his application.

The trial judge, Justice Hassan Dikko, consequently, adjourned the case until March 2026 for hearing of preliminary objections and all pending applications.

Speaking to newsmen after the court session, the prosecution counsel said: “we are in court to move the court to grant an application seeking the unconditional release of the girl to her family.

“We also want the court to compel the DSS to handover the suspect, Onyewuenyi to the Commissioner of Police in Jigawa for discreet investigation.

“We also want the court to set aside every step taken by the DSS in respect of the case as an interested party as it negates their interest in the matter and them conducting investigation negates the principles of fair hearing,” he said. (NAN)