The Islamic Forum of Nigeria (IFN) has expressed strong condemnation over the alleged abduction, sexual abuse, forced religious conversion, and illegal abortion involving a minor, Walida Abdulhadi, reportedly perpetrated by an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), identified as Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi.
In a statement signed by its Acting Executive Secretary, Dalhatu Gwarzo, the Forum described the incident as a “grave violation of fundamental human rights” and an assault on the moral and legal foundations of the country. The group stressed that the case goes beyond criminality, touching on issues of child protection, religious freedom, and accountability within security institutions.
The Forum also raised concerns over what it described as selective public outrage, noting the contrast between reactions to the current case and the widely publicised Ese Oruru case involving Yunusa Dahiru, popularly known as “Yellow.” According to the Forum, that earlier case attracted intense media coverage, public advocacy, and condemnation from religious and civil society groups, culminating in a 26-year prison sentence.
“The silence surrounding the alleged abuse of Walida Abdulhadi is disturbing,” the statement said, questioning the lack of sustained media attention and the absence of public condemnation from major religious bodies, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The Forum argued that unequal responses to similar cases risk creating the perception that justice in Nigeria is influenced by the religious identity of victims and perpetrators, a situation it warned could further deepen social divisions.
The Islamic Forum of Nigeria made several demands, including a call on the DSS to ensure full transparency in its investigation and to avoid shielding the suspect due to his official status. It insisted that the suspect must face prosecution in line with the law for alleged offenses including kidnapping, statutory rape, and unlawful termination of pregnancy.
The group also urged the judiciary to ensure an expedited and open trial, similar to previous cases of child abuse, and called for full compliance with court directives, including the immediate release of the minor into the custody of her parents.
In addition, the Forum appealed to the Nigerian media to give the case comprehensive and sustained coverage, consistent with ethical standards and past precedents. It also called on the Federal Government to guarantee the safety of the victim and her family, warning against any form of intimidation by security agencies.
“The Muslim community will continue to demand justice until it is served,” the statement concluded, adding that justice delayed or applied selectively amounts to oppression
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