A human rights organization, IHRC-RFT Global, has formally expressed grave concern over what it described as credible information confirming that Walida Abdullahi has not been released to her lawful parents despite due legal process and existing court directives.
In a statement signed by the Country Director, Nigeria, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji, the organization said the development raises serious concerns under international human rights law, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and universally recognized principles of justice.
IHRC-RFT Global noted that Nigeria is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which guarantees the right to life, liberty, and security of person (Article 3), freedom from arbitrary detention (Article 9), and the right to a fair and public hearing (Article 10).
According to IHRC-RFT Global, any unlawful restriction of liberty or disobedience to a valid court order constitutes a violation of binding human rights principles and undermines the global commitments Nigeria has undertaken.
IHRC-RFT Global also referenced provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), including Section 34(1) which guarantees the dignity of the human person; Section 35(1) which guarantees personal liberty; and Section 36(1) which provides for fair hearing.
It stressed that the rule of law remains the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that disobedience to lawful court orders weakens constitutional governance and erodes public trust in institutions.
Beyond legal arguments, the organization anchored its position on religious and moral grounds, citing passages from both the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Bible that emphasize justice and fairness.
IHRC-RFT Global Qur’an 4:135 and 4:58, which call on believers to stand firmly for justice and to render trusts to whom they are due, and Biblical verses Isaiah 1:17 and Micah 6:8, which urge leaders to defend the oppressed, act justly, and love mercy.
“These divine injunctions bind leaders and institutions to uphold justice without bias,” the statement said.
IHRC-RFT Global called on the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Senators representing the state, members of the National and State Assemblies, as well as traditional and religious leaders, to urgently intervene and ensure full compliance with the law and immediate restoration of Walida Abdullahi’s rights.
It emphasized that the protection of citizens’ rights is both a constitutional and moral duty of leadership.
Warning of International Escalation
IHRC-RFT Global further disclosed that, as an organization with consultative relations and institutional engagement with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), it reserves the right to escalate the matter to its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, should justice continue to be delayed.
While expressing hope that international intervention would not become necessary, the organization stated that it remains committed to Nigeria’s dignity and global reputation and prefers a swift domestic resolution consistent with law and justice.
The statement concluded by affirming the organization’s non-partisan, non-religious, and non-ethnic stance, noting that its membership spans across Northern and Southern Nigeria, united by a shared mission to defend human rights.
