The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, has issued a stern warning to communities against impeding the criminal prosecution of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases. Emphasizing that instances of rape and incest are unequivocally non-negotiable, Waziri-Azi cautioned that parents and community leaders risk prosecution as accomplices should they attempt to shield perpetrators.
Expressing dismay over the premature closure of numerous SGBV cases due to familial and communal pressures, the NAPTIP chief highlighted the disturbing trend where complainants withdraw their allegations under duress, enabling violators to evade justice. In response, NAPTIP plans to advocate for legislation that criminalizes the act of protecting SGBV offenders, paving the way for prosecuting parents and communities implicated in such cover-ups.
Addressing stakeholders at the launch of the FCT community dialogue and advocacy on SGBV, Waziri-Azi revealed alarming statistics, with 1,278 reported cases of SGBV in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the past year. Notably, spousal battery emerged as the most frequently reported offense, reflecting an urgent need for intervention and enforcement.
In her address, Waziri-Azi underscored the agency’s commitment to justice, citing four convictions secured in 2023, including landmark life imprisonments and lengthy custodial sentences. She emphasized the inclusive nature of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPPA), clarifying that its protective provisions extend to all individuals, irrespective of gender.
Echoing concerns over violence against older persons, Dr. Emem Omokaro, Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), highlighted the pervasive stereotypes and discrimination faced by elderly individuals, often resulting in various forms of abuse.
Aisha Yusufari, Director of Social Welfare and Gender at the FCT Social Secretariat, emphasized the imperative of reporting life-threatening violence, rape, and incest to relevant authorities, stressing the indispensable role of community leaders in ensuring justice and safeguarding vulnerable members of society.
As communities grapple with the scourge of SGBV, the unequivocal message from NAPTIP is clear: perpetrators will be pursued and those complicit in shielding them will face legal consequences.
