Barrister Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko serves as the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria Abuja Branch. In this interview, she outlines their involvement in the Walida case.
How did you come across Walida or Chinasa?
A while back last month, I received a call from someone. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to answer it at that moment. When I later sent a message asking the person to introduce themselves and explain the purpose of their call, the reply revealed that it was a call from DSS. Eventually, I spoke with the person later that evening, and they mentioned that they were contacting me because of my role as the chair of FIDA and the organization's responsibilities. They explained that there was an alleged case of a young girl being taken from Jigawa State, and they needed guidance on this issue.
So I came here for that meeting, and during the meeting, I attempted to interview the young woman who was supposedly abducted, and I did conduct the interview. Based on what came out of that conversation, it seemed to me that the claim wasn't entirely accurate because the young woman was clear-minded, articulate, and spoke in a way that convinced me of the truth of her story. She stated she was born in 2004, and the documents I saw from the DSS showed her birth year as 2004 as well. I also viewed an authentication from the National Population Commission (NPC) confirming the validity of that record.
Then I came across another birth certificate that claims to have been obtained in December 2025, stating that her birth year is 2008. On the surface, unless a court rules otherwise, I tend to accept the authenticity of that birth certificate which indicates her birth year as 2004. Therefore, if this is accurate, it implies that this girl is not a minor. She would be 22 now and approximately 20 at the time of her interaction with the man accused of abducting her.
It seems the State Service established a group of some kind to search for a resolution to the issue. Are you familiar with this group?
I am not aware that we have been officially declared a committee, but yes, I know there is a group that is working to ensure the proper results from all of this. Therefore, FIDA Nigeria Abuja branch is involved. There is a scholar and lecturer from BAZE University, who is also an Islamic cleric. Additionally, I contacted the Muslim Lawyers Association (Mulan), FCT, and they also sent representatives to the meeting, all in an effort to achieve a comprehensive approach and a well-rounded outcome.
At what hour was it decided to assess Walida's psychological condition?
I had attended two meetings on this topic, and today marks the third one. However, there was another meeting in between that I did not attend. FIDA Abuja sent three delegates as representatives. During that meeting, I learned that the lawyer representing the family, after Walida was asked to provide an account, requested that Walida's mental state be assessed to ensure she was speaking rationally. It was reported to me that following this suggestion from the lawyer representing Walida's father's family, the meeting decided to move forward, and the evaluation took place.
But I was told that the assessment was supposed to happen at the National Hospital initially, but later the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) was involved and they assessed her. Are you familiar with this?
Once more, I stated that I was not present at that specific meeting, but the information I received indicated that this was indeed the decision made during the meeting.
But then again, although I'm not speaking on behalf of the Service, as this question might be better directed to the Service for an answer, if I had been at that meeting, I believe I would have also preferred that the umbrella organization responsible for regulating medical professionals in Nigeria would be more appropriate to provide what I refer to as an independent evaluation in such a delicate case. I'm not claiming that the National Hospital lacks the credentials or integrity to do so, but I am suggesting that a neutral entity like the umbrella body would be more suitable.
Today we are gathered here. Walida is present. Officials from the Service are here. You are here from the female FIDA lawyers. We have the National Youth Council of Nigeria. We have the Arewa Youth Assembly. Why are Walida's parents or her lawyers not here?
Unfortunately, I haven't had any direct contact with them, so I might not be able to answer that question either. However, it was also unexpected for us because I understand that the date for this meeting was agreed upon by everyone at the previous meeting I mentioned I wasn't at. So I'm surprised that, after that unanimous decision for this meeting to take place today, they aren't here. I truly don't have an answer for that.
What part did you take on as FIDA throughout this, and what is your final thought?
The role we have played so far as FIDA has been in line with our mission, which is to protect, preserve, and promote the rights of women and children, as well as other vulnerable individuals. This involves first interviewing the girl or young woman involved, listening to her account, and determining the truth of what has occurred, without depending solely on reported information or possibly fabricated petitions. After being convinced by the strength of her testimony during the interview, FIDA Abuja believed that we needed a larger team to ensure a more balanced perspective when addressing all the issues raised, especially the legal aspects that I see in this case. Therefore, you are now aware that it's not just FIDA Abuja involved; you have mentioned Mulan, the Youth Council of Nigeria,
So what FIDA is doing is ensuring the well-being of Walida and her daughter, as regardless of other considerations, their best interest remains our top priority. And that is FIDA's responsibility until this matter is settled, including legal actions if they become necessary.
What is your opinion on how this issue can be addressed currently?
I believe the most effective approach to address this issue is to set aside personal ego and any personal sensitivities. These elements should not be the main focus. If we instead concentrate on the young woman at the center of this situation and her innocent child, we can create results that safeguard their interests. I say this because if Walida's family, who are currently taking strong actions to, I'm not sure, perhaps recover their daughter, had applied even half of this effort when she went missing, it's possible that Walida would have been found sooner. It was only when the young man was accused of abducting her that the family learned about Walida's location.
Are you talking about the DSS agent?
Yes, the Ifeanyi guy, yes. I mean, I haven't met him, but yes, that's the young man. It was that individual who managed to keep Walida safe from the time he first encountered her until now. Now, I'm not trying to defend him.
As I mentioned, I haven't had a chance to communicate with him, I don't represent his case, and I'm not especially interested in him. My priority as FIDA is Walida and her daughter. Therefore, if we keep that in mind, now that Walida has been located, considering this individual continues to assist Walida in contacting her family, I won't necessarily comment on the religious aspects, but rather focus on safeguarding her rights as a human being, can we concentrate on her welfare?
I'm asking because Walida's parents are pushing for her release to them. What do you think about that?
It's positive that Walida is present in this room and can speak for herself, but I'll share what Walida told me and the promise I made to her. After the second meeting I attended, as I was leaving, Walida stopped me on my way out and asked, "Please Ma, can I speak to you?" I said, "Sure." She took me away from others so we could talk privately and said, "Please Ma, don't let them make me go back there. If I return, they will kill me. I know what I'm saying, Ma, don't let them force me. I don't want to go back." Seeing the raw vulnerability in her expression as she spoke, no parent, especially a mother, could witness that and not feel compelled to stand up and protect her.
And I gave her a serious vow that whatever I am capable of doing to guarantee her safety, I will accomplish it.
Ultimately, we learned that the parents have taken legal action. Are you considering participating in the court process?
Certainly, wherever it impacts Walida's interests, and wherever we must safeguard, advance, and maintain her rights, FIDA will be fully committed.
Provided by zaianews.com.