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 grave 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 effects on the victim’s family and reportedly contributed to the death of Walida’s mother, who allegedly died after more than two years of emotional trauma while searching for her missing daughter.
According to the organisation, the case goes beyond an alleged crime against a minor and constitutes “a serious assault on human dignity and the moral conscience of the nation.”
The group compared the incident with the 2016 abduction of Ese Oruru, which sparked 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 demanding justice.
However, the organisation expressed concern that the Walida Abdulhadi case has received limited media coverage despite its seriousness. It 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.
MPAC called on Nigerian media organisations 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.
The organisation also appealed to relevant authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and the prosecution of all those involved.
The group 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, adding that investigations into the matter are ongoing.