The Department of State Services has detained one of its operatives following disturbing allegations involving the disappearance and exploitation of an underage girl.
The case centres on a teenage girl whose prolonged absence reportedly plunged her family into grief, anxiety, and unanswered questions spanning more than two years.
Legal representatives acting for the girl’s family alleged that she was taken away from her home community while still legally a minor.
According to the petition, the teenager was allegedly held outside her family’s reach, cutting off all contact and leaving relatives desperately searching across states.
Moreover, the family claimed the emotional strain of the disappearance had severe consequences, including the reported death of the girl’s mother.
The controversy resurfaced suddenly after the officer allegedly contacted the girl’s father, revealing her whereabouts and disclosing she had given birth.
Due to frail health, the father reportedly sent a representative to Abuja, where officials allegedly confirmed the girl had lived within a security facility.
However, attempts by the family to regain custody of the teenager were said to have been rejected, further deepening tensions around the case.
The petition also accused the officer of imposing a change of religion on the girl without parental consent during her time in custody.
In addition, the lawyers argued that any intimate relationship was unlawful, stressing that Nigerian law prohibits minors from consenting to such acts.
Reacting to the allegations, the Department of State Services confirmed that an officer had been taken into custody for questioning.
A DSS spokesperson said the agency views the accusations seriously, noting that abuse of office contradicts its operational standards.
“The Service does not shield misconduct,” the spokesperson said, adding that findings from the investigation would be disclosed publicly.
Furthermore, the DSS assured Nigerians that appropriate disciplinary and legal measures would follow if the allegations are substantiated.