A Magistrate Court sitting in Hadejia, Jigawa State, has ordered the arrest and detention of a Department of State Services (DSS) officer, Mr. Ifeanyi Festus, following allegations contained in a petition brought before the court.
The court reportedly directed the Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State to effect the arrest of the officer pending further investigation into the claims.
The matter arose from a petition submitted by a group of lawyers under the Gamji Law Chain, who said they were acting on behalf of a 16-year-old girl identified as Walida.
According to the petition, the DSS officer allegedly took the minor away from her family approximately two years ago and unlawfully detained her. The petition further alleged that the girl was subjected to sexual exploitation during this period and that she became pregnant and later gave birth while still under the age of 18.
The lawyers also claimed that the minor was allegedly converted from Islam to Christianity without the consent of her parents. In addition, the petition accused unnamed DSS officials of alleged complicity in the matter.
As of the time of filing this report, the DSS and the individuals named in the petition have not publicly responded to the allegations. The case remains under investigation, and no court has made a finding of guilt.
