Submitted by crinadmin on
23RD April, 2008 PRESS RELEASE Defence for Children International- Nigeria Section (DCI-Nigeria) do wish to express our disbelief and disappointment at the judgement handed down by an Upper Area Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, in the case of the rape of a nine (9) month old baby. The court had sentenced the rapist, 27-year-old Stephen Takure, to 12 months in prison with an option of N3000 fine. It is not only sad, but shocking that in this day and age, members of the Judiciary can still take such ignoble cases with levity and render judgement that are preposterous. We wish to ask the Judge who gave this sentence – is this meant to punish, deter or encourage the rapist? DCI-Nigeria, as an organization working to defend, promote and protect the rights of the Nigerian child, do hereby strongly condemn this ruling and call on the Government of Nasarawa State to abide by the provisions of the Child Rights Act which they have passed into law. We are glad that the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development has found it critical to decry this judgement and we do hereby join our voices in this regard. We therefore call on civil society, community leaders, women organizations, UN and other related agencies, to join in objecting to this and such outrageous rulings even as we ensure the implementation of the Child Rights Act in all the states of the Federation. For more information, please contact DCI-Nigeria:
47, Ayinde Giwa Street, Surulere, Lagos
Tel: +234-1-2131404, 2131776 or +234-8057051646
Email: [email protected]
http://www.dci-nig.org