Rapture of joy flowed through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development as a Nasarawa man, Ahmadu Yaro, was sentenced to 21-years in prison for raping a three-month-old baby in Adogi village, Nasarawa State.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, applauded the judgement, and described the ruling by Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu, as a courageous and vital step in protecting children who are the most vulnerable members of society.
“This judgement is a commendable affirmation of the justice system’s role in safeguarding our children,” an elated Sulaiman-Ibrahim declared.
She praised the courage and leadership example demonstrated by Justice Bashir-Aliyu and the commitment of the state’s Attorney General, Barrister Isaac Danladi, whose presence in court was seen as a symbol of institutional seriousness in tackling sexual and gender-based violence.
The minister expressed profound appreciation to Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, for creating an enabling environment for justice to thrive.
The Minister, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, noted that the ruling reflects a broader commitment by the state to uphold the safety and dignity of women and children.
“The verdict is not only a victory for the victim’s family but a powerful statement that impunity will not be tolerated in Nasarawa State,” she said.
The minister emphasized the importance of enforcing the Child Rights Act (CRA), which has been domesticated across all 36 states.
She underscored the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of child abuse are held accountable, and survivors receive appropriate care and support.
The Minister vowed that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, no act of violence against children and women would go unpunished.
“Justice will be visible, survivor-focused, and unrelenting,” she assured.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged other states to emulate Nasarawa’s example, and appealed to families, communities, law enforcement, and the judiciary to work together in the effort to build a safer Nigeria for all children.
“Let this ruling serve as a turning point,” she concluded. “A signal to all offenders that Nigeria will no longer shield those who violate her children.”
