By Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
The Niger State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Kuta, has confirmed the arrest of a police officer attached to the State Police Command for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl. Two other suspects were also arrested for repeatedly assaulting the victim.
Speaking to journalists in Minna, Kuta explained that the girl’s parents reported the case to the ministry after their efforts to seek justice were obstructed. The ministry’s intervention led to the arrests. She expressed concern over the rising cases of rape involving minors and lamented attempts to divert attention from the allegations by accusing the victim of livestock theft.
According to her, the suspects took advantage of the girl after buying chickens from her, underscoring the dangers of street hawking for young girls. She also criticised the practice of granting bail to rape suspects shortly after arraignment, noting that it denies victims justice and emboldens perpetrators.
Kuta described the psychological trauma suffered by victims as devastating, often undermining their education and future. She assured the victim’s family that the ministry would pursue justice, revealing that the girl has been relocated for safety and placed under protective custody. She will also receive medical care, psychological evaluation, counselling, and other support services to aid her recovery.
The Commissioner stressed the need for a thorough investigation, adding that the charges filed against the suspects would determine the strength of the prosecution’s case. “The ministry hopes justice will prevail and reaffirms its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of the victims,” she said.
