Walida Abdulhadi, the woman at the centre of the controversy over alleged abduction of a minor and relationship with an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), for whom she birthed a baby girl, is 22 years old, Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has confirmed.
The minister said the confirmation was on the heels of the verification of Walida’s birth records by the National Population Commission (NPC).
The Minister made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja, on the heels of reports that the DSS on Wednesday night released Walida and her newly- born baby to the Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Umar Namadi.
Addressing journalists shortly after holding a private session with Walida at the DSS headquarters, the minister said the Nigerian government is a signatory to several international laws and conventions protecting the life and rights of citizens, including women and children.
She stated that her ministry was aware of the threats to Walidi’s life, stressing, “her safety remains the overriding priority in all decisions concerning her.”
She stated, “Her continued stay in the custody of the Department of State Services has been voluntary, following credible threats to her life. Walida’s wellbeing has also been independently assessed by the Nigerian Medical Association, confirming that her health and safety are being appropriately safeguarded.”
On the issue of age, the Minister said, “Let me reaffirm that Walida’s age has been officially verified by the National Population Commission; she is 22 years old. By the provisions of the Child Rights Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a child is defined as anyone under 18 years.”
She continued, “The Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains unwavering in its dedication to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the rights and welfare of all citizens. I can see that from all available records, every action taken by the relevant institutions in this matter has been grounded in fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to the law.”
She affirmed that ” the Federal Government remains fully committed to justice, fairness, and the protection of all citizens, especially women and vulnerable persons. Let us all work together to uphold these principles for a safer, fairer, and more just Nigeria
“The coordinated efforts of the DSS, Walida’s family, civil society partners, and independent experts have been fully documented, jointly agreed upon, and directed toward one paramount goal: ensuring Walida’s safety, wellbeing, and dignity,” she stated.
She pledged that “the investigation will be formally concluded within the framework of Nigerian law, and its findings will inform any subsequent legal or administrative actions. Walida’s welfare, safety, and access to appropriate support services will continue to be assured.”
