FOMWAN Challenges DSS's Role in Walida Case

The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has stated that the Department of State Services (DSS) cannot act as both investigator and defender in the case involving its official, Walida Abdulhadi. During a press conference on Monday, Ustaz Yunu Salahudeen, speaking on behalf of the coalition, highlighted that the DSS's involvement in the case raises concerns about impartiality and the potential for public opinion manipulation.

The coalition insists on allowing due process to unfold, emphasizing that justice should be pursued without fear or favor. They criticized the DSS for not including the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in the review committee, despite its statutory responsibilities regarding minor trafficking cases.

The coalition also expressed concerns over the discrepancies in Walida's reported age at the time of her alleged departure from home, noting the implications for child protection laws. They called for independent verification of her documents to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in the judicial process.