Legal Proceedings Adjourned in Alleged Abduction and Abuse Case
A significant legal case involving the alleged abduction and sexual abuse of a teenager, Walida Abdulhadi, by a Department of State Security (DSS) operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, has seen its proceedings adjourned by the Federal High Court in Jigawa. The court has scheduled April 28 for the delivery of its judgment, marking a crucial point in the ongoing legal battle.
This adjournment follows a previous session on March 11, where the court had postponed the hearing to allow the defence counsel adequate time to prepare and submit their counter affidavit.
Background of the Case
Walida Abdulhadi, a resident of the Hadejia Local Government Area, is at the center of allegations claiming she was abducted and sexually abused by Onyewuenyi, a DSS operative, sometime in 2023. The case has garnered considerable attention due to the serious nature of the accusations and the involvement of a state security operative.
Court Session and Defence Request
During the recent court sitting, which was conducted virtually via Zoom, the defence counsel, Abdulmalik Sani, formally requested an extension to file a counter affidavit. Mr. Sani cited the need to gather additional information as the primary reason for this request, indicating a desire to thoroughly prepare the defence’s position.
Conversely, the prosecuting counsel, Kabir Adamu, expressed readiness to proceed with the case. He formally objected to the defence’s plea for further time, arguing that it was necessary for the defence to finalize their preparations.
“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,” stated Mr. Adamu, outlining the defence’s stated reasons for the delay.
Judicial Decision and Prosecution’s Stance
After hearing arguments from all parties involved, the trial judge, Justice Hassan Dikko, made the decision to adjourn the case. The judgment is now slated for April 28, 2026.
Following the court session, Mr. Adamu spoke with a correspondent and reiterated the prosecution’s plea for the higher court to uphold an earlier order issued by the Hadejia magistrate court. He explained the specifics of this prior ruling.
- The Hadejia magistrate court had initially ordered the DSS to unconditionally release Walida, the alleged victim, to her parents.
- Furthermore, the court had directed the DSS to produce the suspected operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, to the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police for a thorough investigation.
Mr. Adamu highlighted that the DSS authorities had challenged this magistrate court order by initiating a separate suit at the Federal High Court. Their objective in this filing was to prevent the execution of the Hadejia magistrate court’s directive.
Concerns Over Obstruction of Justice
The prosecuting counsel expressed strong confidence that the court would rule in their favour. He emphasized that the DSS’s actions were perceived as an impediment to the course of 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,” Mr. Adamu asserted.
He urged the DSS to cooperate with the court and facilitate the handover of the suspect to the police for comprehensive investigation. The paramount concern for the prosecution, he stressed, remains the safety and well-being of Walida.
“We’re committed to seeing this case through to its logical conclusion and ensuring that justice is served,” Mr. Adamu declared. He further elaborated on the prosecution’s immediate objective: “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.”
Conflict of Interest Allegations
The prosecution counsel underscored that the DSS’s position as an interested party in the case was contradictory to their own interests and that their involvement in an investigation could potentially compromise the fairness of the proceedings.
“The DSS has been accused of obstructing the investigation and prosecution of Onyewuenyi,” he added, reinforcing the gravity of the allegations against the security agency.
Public Outcry and Courtroom Presence
The case has ignited widespread concern and considerable public outrage, with numerous calls for a swift and impartial investigation, coupled with decisive action against the accused.
During the recent court sitting, the courtroom was attended by the prosecuting counsel, family members of the victim, court secretariat staff, and journalists. The trial judge presided over the proceedings remotely via Zoom.
