- As FIDA Nigeria seeks tougher prosecution of rapists, child abusers
Nigeria is confronting a growing sexual violence crisis that knows no ethnic, religious or geographical boundaries. Across the federation, from urban centres to remote villages, cases of rape and incest continue to surface with troubling regularity, exposing a social scourge that cuts across all states, tribes and faiths and demands urgent national attention.
This is even as he International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has called for the swift investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of rape, domestic violence, child abuse and other crimes against women and children, warning that impunity is contributing to the persistence of gender-based violence across the country.
Addressing delegates at the opening of the organisation’s Second Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting in Abuja, Country Vice President Eliana Martins said reports of sexual assault, child marriage, harmful traditional practices and exploitation continue to emerge with alarming frequency.
She argued that while Nigeria has enacted important legal protections, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act, inconsistent implementation and weak enforcement have limited their impact.
FIDA urged authorities to strengthen criminal investigations, ensure speedy trials and expand access to legal aid, shelters, rehabilitation services and psychosocial support for survivors.
According to Martins, justice must not only be done but be seen to be done if Nigeria hopes to deter offenders and restore public confidence in the rule of law.
Imo State
In Imo state, a 63-year-old man, Chidi Onuogu, was remanded in the Owerri Correctional Centre for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl on multiple occasions.
The Chief Magistrate, O.J. Uzoechi, heard the matter behind closed doors in her chambers on Thursday and described the defendant’s action as unlawful.
The suspect was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on having unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor.
Kebbi State
The Kebbi State Police Command arrested a 36-year-old security guard attached to an Islamiyya school in Jega Local Government Area for the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl.
The state Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, disclosed the arrest while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
According to the police chief, the suspect, identified as Faruku Muhammed, a resident of Tungar Zabarmawa in Jega, was apprehended following a complaint lodged by members of the victim’s community.
Cross River State
41-year-old Endurance Ime Sandy, was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Family Court II in Calabar after being convicted of raping an 11-year-old girl.
The presiding judge, Hon. Justice Blessings Obin Egwu, handed down the sentence, following the conclusion of a trial that lasted several months.
The judge said the convict was guilty based on evidence available and deserved no mercy.
Kwara State
The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), arrested a 40-year-old man, AbdulRauf Ambali, over allegations of incest, unlawful sexual intercourse with his 14-year-old biological daughter, and procurement of abortion.
The spokesperson for the command, ASC 1 Ayoola Michael Shola, who made the disclosure said the victim revealed that she had earlier fled from her father’s residence after allegedly enduring months of sexual abuse and intimidation.
According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended following credible information received from concerned members of the public in Alapa, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State.
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“The matter was initially reported at the Alapa Divisional Office on the 16th of June, 2026, and was subsequently transferred to the Command’s Gender Unit for comprehensive investigation,” the statement read.
“Ironically, the case was first brought to the attention of the Corps by the suspect himself, who reported that his 14 year-old daughter, had been missing from home for approximately three weeks.
“Upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Gender Unit immediately commenced investigation and successfully traced the minor.
“During the course of interviews and victim engagement, the girl disclosed that she had deliberately fled from her father’s residence after allegedly enduring months of sexual abuse and intimidation.
“Preliminary findings revealed that the victim had lived with her grandmother since childhood before being taken into her father’s custody in December 2025 under the pretext of providing parental care and support.
“The victim alleged that shortly after moving into his residence, her father began subjecting her to repeated sexual abuse.
“The minor further disclosed that she was frequently threatened, beaten, and intimidated whenever she resisted the suspect’s advances.
“According to her account, the abuse persisted until she could no longer endure the situation, prompting her to leave home without informing anyone of her whereabouts.
“Investigation further revealed that the victim allegedly became pregnant in May 2026 as a result of the repeated sexual abuse.
“Findings indicate that the suspect subsequently took the minor to a private facility where a medical examination confirmed the pregnancy.
“Further inquiries revealed that arrangements were thereafter made for the pregnancy to be terminated.
“The victim also alleged that she was repeatedly warned not to disclose the incidents to anyone and was later advised to undergo family planning measures to prevent future pregnancies.
“In the course of investigation, the suspect reportedly admitted to having unlawful sexual relations with the minor.”
