Department of State Services (DSS) has taken into custody one of its officers, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, following allegations involving the disappearance and marriage of a minor.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Friday, Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations at the DSS, confirmed that the officer is under investigation over claims that he forcefully converted a minor to Christianity and married her.
The agency said the action taken against the officer aligns with its internal rules and disciplinary procedures.
DSS said, “However, it is hereby confirmed that, an active staff, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, who is suspected to have forcefully converted and married one (name withheld), has been arrested and is currently being investigated”, adding that such conduct violates its code of conduct.
The arrest followed a petition submitted by the family of the girl through their legal representatives, Gamji Lawchain. According to the petition, the girl, who was 16 years old at the time, went missing in November 2023 in Hadejia, Jigawa State, and could not be found despite sustained efforts by her family.
The family alleged that the prolonged disappearance caused severe emotional distress, which reportedly led to the death of the girl’s mother.
A major development occurred on January 1, 2026, when the girl’s father, Abdulhadi Ibrahim, allegedly received a phone call from a man identified as Festus, who claimed to be a DSS officer.
During the call, Festus reportedly informed him that his daughter was with him and had already given birth, adding that he was willing to marry her.
Unable to travel to Abuja, the father reportedly sent a representative, Muhammad Badamasi Ibrahim, to make inquiries. The representative later claimed the girl was living with the DSS officer at a DSS facility in Karmajiji, Abuja.
The petition was forwarded to DSS, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Office of the National Security Adviser. DSS said investigations are ongoing and assured the public that appropriate actions will be taken in line with the law and institutional regulations.
