News
‘Courts, Victims Creating Difficulties In Punishing Rapists’
Legal practioners yesterday in Lagos said that victims and judicial procedure were factors inhibiting the process of obtaining favourable justice by victims of rape in Nigeria.
The lawyers, who spoke with newsmen blamed the complexity on the attitude of victims who often avoided stigmatisation.
Mrs Jecinta Ogbeledeto, explained that most victims would rather suffer in silence in order to avoid stigmatisation.
“Because of our kind of environment, rape victims prefer to suffer in silence and bear the emotional trauma alone to avoid being identified or exposed.
“In most cases, their relations will refuse to prosecute the matter because they want to protect their family name from the shame, “ she said.
She said justice could be attained if only the victims were bold to report the cases and allow proper prosecution of such, adding “Justice comes to those who desire for justice.’’ On his part, Mr Kunle Aribisala, said that the judicial process for rape cases might be discouraging, because some courts would insist on medical tests and other evidences. “Most times, it is not easy to produce a witness or show evidence of the actual act of rape and these are the basic requirements for investigation and prosecution of rape cases,’’ he said.
Another, Mrs Nkechi Amanambu, said that many prosecutors lacked the expertise to handle sensitive matters like rape.
“Most prosecutors handle rape cases with laxity, they ask ridiculous questions, thereby making the victims shy away from answering questions during trial.
“We are supposed to have well trained and specialised prosecutors because rape cases are very sensitive, “ she said.
She urged the government and human rights groups to organise regular campaigns in collaboration with the media, on the need for rape victims to seek redress.
Amanambu, also advised the government to provide the required materials that would aid the investigation of rape cases as obtainable in developed countries. (NAN)
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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