The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, has condemned the alleged abduction, sexual abuse and forced conversion of a 16-year-old Muslim girl, Walida Abdulhadi, to Christianity in Jigawa State, describing the incident as a serious violation of human rights and religious freedom.
In a statement issued to journalists on Monday, the organisation alleged that the minor was abducted by Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, who is said to be a staff member of the Department of State Services (DSS).
MPAC said the incident had devastating consequences for the victim’s family and allegedly contributed to the death of Walida’s mother, who reportedly died after more than two years of emotional trauma while searching for her missing daughter.
According to the group, the case goes beyond an alleged crime against a minor and amounts to “a serious assault on human dignity and the moral conscience of the nation.”
The organisation drew parallels with the 2016 abduction of Ese Oruru, a case that attracted widespread national outrage and sustained media attention. MPAC recalled that newspapers, civil society organisations and human rights activists at the time published numerous reports and commentaries calling for justice.
However, MPAC expressed concern that the Walida Abdulhadi case has received limited media coverage despite its gravity. The group said the apparent lack of public attention raises questions about fairness, objectivity and consistency in the defence of human rights.
“Justice must never be selective, and human rights must never be conditional,” the statement said, stressing that the life and dignity of every Nigerian child should be protected, regardless of religion or region.
The organisation called on Nigerian media outlets to give the case greater prominence and urged human rights groups and activists to advocate for Walida Abdulhadi with the same intensity shown in similar past cases.
It also appealed to relevant authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and the prosecution of all those involved.
MPAC reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating for accountability and justice for Walida Abdulhadi and other victims of abduction, abuse and forced conversion across the country.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services has reportedly confirmed the arrest of the suspect, stating that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
