Odita Sunday 
The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of one of its officers, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, over allegations of forceful conversion and marriage of a woman, Walida Abdulhadi.
The Service also dismissed claims linking another individual, Ifeanyi Festus, to the DSS, saying he is not on its employment records.
In a statement on Friday, the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, said the DSS was compelled to respond to reports alleging involvement of its staff in abduction, defilement of a minor and abuse of office.
“For clarity, the Service has no record of an individual named Ifeanyi Festus in its employment,” Dozie said.
He explained that investigations identified Onyewuenyi, an active DSS operative, as the suspect in the alleged forced conversion and marriage.
“It is hereby confirmed that an active staff, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, who is suspected to have forcefully converted and married one Walida Abdulhadi, has been arrested and is currently being investigated,” the statement read.
Dozie stressed that the alleged conduct contravenes the Service’s operational standards.
“Such acts are against our regulations and laid down code of conduct,” he said, adding that the DSS would make the outcome of the investigation public.
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