A constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Hamza Nuhu Dantani, has submitted an urgent petition to the Department of State Services (DSS) over the alleged unlawful custody and abuse of a minor from Jigawa State.
Dantani, who is also a member of the Citizens’ Liberty Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, accused the DSS of failing to release the girl to her parents. In addition, he alleged that the agency exposed her to the media while she remained in custody.
According to the petition, the girl was abducted in 2023 while she was a Senior Secondary School II student. At the time, she was still a minor. Therefore, Dantani argued that her continued detention raises serious legal concerns.
Furthermore, he questioned a recent interview published by Daily Trust. He claimed the report portrayed the girl as an adult and shielded a DSS operative allegedly linked to the case.
The lawyer also stated that the girl reportedly gave birth in 2025. Consequently, he said this development raises ethical and legal questions if she was under 18 at the time of conception.
In the petition, Dantani challenged the legal basis for the DSS retaining custody of the minor instead of handing her over to her parents. He also asked how the agency could remain neutral if one of its officers was allegedly implicated.
Moreover, he cited provisions of the Child Rights Act and international child protection principles. He stressed that the welfare and best interest of the child must remain paramount in all circumstances.
Dantani called for the immediate release of the minor to her parents. He also demanded an independent investigation into the allegations. In addition, he urged the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the Jigawa State Government to intervene and ensure her protection.
“This case is no longer just about Walida. It is a test of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, child protection, and institutional accountability,” the petition stated.
As of the time of filing this report, the DSS had not issued an official response to the allegations.
