El Yakuq Ibraheem
The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of an Inspector attached to the State Intelligence Bureau over an allegation of raping and impregnating his 15-year-old niece.
The response of the command was contained in a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, and made available for Journalists.
According to the statement with reference number AZ:5250/NAS/PRD/VOL.1/419, the attention of Nasarawa State Police Command has been drawn to a news report with the caption “Police Officer In Nasarawa Rape, Impregnated Teenager Niece” making rounds across the media and was credited to the state chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers Nasarawa State chapter wishes to note that, while it is not its tradition to join issues with people, it, however, found it most expedient to set the records straight.
On July 18, 2022, at about 1320hrs a complaint was lodged at ‘B’ Division, Lafia that a Police Inspector attached to the State Intelligence Bureau, Nasarawa State was in the habit of having unlawful carnal knowledge of his 15-year-old niece who resides with him and his family.
Upon receipt of the complaints, the commissioner of Police, CP Adesina Soyemi ordered the arrest of the suspect and directed the deputy commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Shettima Jauro Mohammed to carry out a diligent investigation into the matter.
In a bit to carry out an empirical and fact-based Investigation, experts were brought to obtain a DNA sample in order to prove further the perpetrator of the act; the outcome of the test is still being awaited.
The Nigeria Police force is a disciplined organization and will not condone or cover up any act that is contrary to the law and capable of bringing the force to disrepute, the public is hereby assured of a comprehensive Investigation into the case; as an outcome of the Investigation will be made public and anyone found wanting will be dealt with according to the provisions of the law.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adesina Soyemi further enjoined all and sundry to shun assumptions or pre-empt the outcome of the Investigation, but wait for the test results to be out; as anyone found to be responsible will not be shielded.
Women lawyers to ensure prosecution of the suspect for impregnating niece in Nasarawa State
It would be recalled that The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has vowed to ensure that a police officer alleged to have raped and impregnated his niece in the state is prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
Mrs. Rabiatu Addra, Chairperson of FIDA in the state made the disclosure while addressing Journalists in Lafia recently.
The Chairperson explained that a whistleblower had reported to them that the victim, aged 15 years was repeatedly raped by an uncle she was staying with after the death of her father.
She said that on receipt of the report by the whistleblower, FIDA in conjunction with the sexual and gender-based violence response team (SGBV) facilitated and mobilised the police which led to the arrest of the suspect.
“Our team with the police took the victim to the hospital and paid for her treatment, but, unfortunately, she lost the six-month-old baby.
“The state ministry of Justice further paid the bill for a DNA test as part of the ongoing investigation to ascertain the real culprit,” the FIDA Chairperson added.
She said that the victim is discharged from the hospital and is now safe and has been reunited with her family.
Mrs Rabiatu Addra said that the group would not stop until justice is served and appealed to the police to ensure a thorough investigation of the matter.
She, therefore, said that the team is always ready and prepared to promote, protect and serve the rights of women and children and called on victims of abuse to speak out.
