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The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT), Nigeria Chapter, has raised serious concern over the continued failure to release Walida Abdullahi to her parents despite what it described as a valid court order directing her release.
In an official statement on Tuesday, and signed by the Country Director, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji, the organisation said it had received credible information that the court directive has not been obeyed.
It described the situation as troubling and warned that disobedience to a lawful court order threatens the rule of law and constitutional governance.
“We formally express grave concern regarding credible information confirming that Walida Abdullahi has not yet been released to her lawful parents despite due legal process and court directives,” the statement read.
IHRC-RFT said the development raises serious issues under international human rights law, the Nigerian Constitution, and universally accepted principles of justice.
Citing international legal instruments, the organisation noted that Nigeria is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which guarantees the right to liberty, security of person, and freedom from arbitrary detention.
“Any unlawful restriction of liberty or disobedience to a valid court order constitutes a violation of binding human rights principles,” the group stated.
The organisation also referred to provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly Section 34 on dignity of the human person, Section 35 on personal liberty, and Section 36 on fair hearing.
“The rule of law remains the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy. Disobedience to a lawful court order undermines constitutional governance and public trust,” Bakoji said.
The right body emphasised that justice is also a moral and religious obligation.
Quoting both Islamic and Christian scriptures, the statement stressed that leaders and institutions are bound to uphold justice without bias.
IHRC-RFT therefore called on the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, senators representing the state, members of the National and State Assemblies, as well as traditional and religious leaders, to urgently intervene in the matter.
“The protection of citizens’ rights is a constitutional and moral duty of leadership,” the statement added.
The organisation further warned that it may escalate the matter internationally if there is continued delay in complying with the court order.
“As an organisation with consultative relations and institutional engagement with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), we reserve the right, should justice continue to be delayed to formally escalate this matter to our headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, for international review,” the group said.
However, it expressed hope that such action would not be necessary.
“As patriots committed to Nigeria’s dignity and global reputation, we prefer a swift domestic resolution consistent with law and justice. However, our mandate does not permit silence in the face of rights violations.”
The organisation maintained that it remains non-partisan, non-religious, and non-ethnic in its operations.
It stressed that its membership cuts across Northern and Southern Nigeria with a shared mission to defend human rights.
Recall that the case of Walida Abdulhadi Ibrahim began after she was allegedly abducted from Anku community in Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State by a DSS operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, in 2023.
Walida, who is currently at the DSS headquarters in Abuja with her three-month-old daughter, claimed in an interview that she fears for her safety and would be harmed if returned to her parents.
She also alleged that her troubles started when a woman identified as Mariam allegedly kidnapped and abused her before she eventually ended up in Abuja, where she met Ifeanyi.
However, her parents denied her claims, insisting she was not maltreated and accusing Ifeanyi of influencing her to disown her family and convert from Islam to Christianity.
Her father, Malam Abdulhadi Ibrahim, and her uncle, Badamasi Ibrahim, dismissed allegations that the family would harm her, describing such claims as false.
Meanwhile, the DSS said Walida is in protective custody for her safety, while Ifeanyi is under investigation and may face disciplinary action if found guilty.
The Service also disclosed that it has applied to vacate the court order directing that she be released to her parents.
Rights body raises alarm over failure to release Walida Abdullahi despite legal directive
