NHRC seeks end to sexual assaults
…charges judiciary on proper prosecution of rape cases, others
In order to ensure sanity and also protect citizens’ fundamental human rights, the Kwara State branch of the National Human Rights Commission has urged members of the judiciary to be diligent in the prosecution of cases relating to gender-based violence, rape, and other forms of sexual assault.
This was disclosed in a press briefing held at the commission’s head office in Ilorin, by the State Coordinator, Barrister Jumoke Olaoye, In commemoration of the 16 days long Commission’s campaign against sexual abuse, violence against women, Child Abuse, child labour, and many more.
Olaoye, in her address, frowned vehemently at how cases relating to gender-based violence and sexual assaults are being handled at the judiciary level.
She said the court often swept under carpet such sensitive cases that were supposed to be given adequate attention and proper prosecution.
“Cases relating to gender-based violence, are not getting necessary attention in court. Most of our complainants don’t want their matters to get to court because they believe that once it gets to court, it dies a natural death. On this note, we appeal to the judiciary to always do what is necessary to ensure justice is served,” she said.
Olaoye further sought the assistance of the media in spreading their programs and campaign against the scourge of gender based violence and other related crimes.
In the same development, some other participants at the event also appealed to the police to be diligent in their works.
An Ilorin based journalist who pleaded anonymity at the event said, “Often time, we’ve heard of how police released perpetrators who were supposed to be charged to court. This is development will not help society.
“Men who are also experiencing a kind of maltreatment from their wives should speak up. A lot has gone wrong in society, women are not the only ones experiencing gender-based violence.
“The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), has been doing so much towards exposing this menace in the society, a lot of cases that would have been swept under the carpet, FIDA took it up and ensure justice is served at the end. But, on the part of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), we’ve not been seen any efforts geared towards tackling the issue of gender-based violence.”
