Oct. 17, 2023

…Calls for quick approval, establishment of mobile courts

The Federal Government says legal action will be taken against a couple, Mr Ifeanyi and Mrs Christabel Ewuru, in Enugu state over alleged molestation and neglect of their eight-year old daughter and inflicting diseases on her.

Mrs Uju Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, confirmed this while addressing the media in Abuja.

According to her, the ministry will take up legal action against the couple to ensure the survivor gets justice as well as serve as deterrent to others, who might want to tow the same line.

Ohanenye expressed deep concern over incessant cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), harmful traditional practices and other forms of abuses meted on women, children and the vulnerable.

“This eight year-old girl has been molested severally by her stepfather, who has given her diseases, broken her walls, which has been confirmed in the hospital, also by the lawyer and mother of this girl.

“The matter was taken to court, but unfortunately, the magistrate released this man on bail.

“We want to know why he was released despite the allegations against him simply because the woman cried that she didn’t want her husband to be jailed.

“What about the voiceless girl? What about the torture, emotional pains the girl went through and threat not to disclose the molestation?

“We are suing the woman for negligence. Because if she was not negligent, this girl would not have suffered this thing for a long time.

“And this woman had the guts to defend the man who did this to your daughter simply because you want to keep the marriage or what I don’t know.

“We are suing the man on behalf of the young girl to make sure he pays for his sin, the rule of law must prevail, The truth must prevail. Justice must be done on behalf of this young girl,” she assured.

According to her, establishment of mobile courts will hasten up the prosecution of SGBV and other harmful practices against women and children, as well as ensure survivors get justice.

“These are things that will make this girl feel better and this will not affect her in future as it should have done if she sees for sure that actions were being taken.

“No more room for these things in this country. No more business as usual. You commit a crime you go in for it.

“That is why we are still pleading to our President, Attorney General and the chief judges in states to quickly approve establishment of mobile courts so that it will enable us accelerate matters concerning women affairs and quickly defend them,” said the minister. (NAN)