Adamawa Govt. Ready To Set Up Special Court For Rape

The Adamawa State Government plans to set up a Special Court to handle rape and sexual assault cases in
the state.

The Commissioner for Justice in the state, Bala Sanga, stated this on Friday in Gombi town while inaugurating Gombi High Court Complex, NAN reports

The complex was rehabilitated under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, funded by
European Union (EU) through British Council.

He stated that the essence of the court creation is to tackle the disturbing rape and sexual assault in the state.

Sanga revealed that there was a Sexual Assault Referral Centre in the state, set up with support
from EU and British Council, to attend to victims of rape.

The Commissioner stated that victims would be given necessary support, and also sort for evidence to prosecute suspected rapists.

He stated that the centre has revealed that old women, children and even men had become victims of rapes.

“Statistics coming out are mind boggling; old women of 70 to 80 years were being raped.”

“Babies of two to three years, and even men are being raped and the figures are staggering and
unbelievable!”

“It is, therefore, necessary that we take whatever remedial action to contain it,”.

He stated that the state Government would address the cause of rape and sexual assault particularly drug abuse.

In his statement he revealed that more courts will be created as there is demand for them to ensure speedy dispensation of Justice.

The commissioner lauded EU and British Council for their support to the reforms in the judicial sector in
the state and assured them of sustained support and cooperation from the state government.

Sanga also lauded the state Chief Judge, Justice Ishaya Banu, for his commitment and support to the
ongoing reforms in the judiciary.

The Coordinator of RoLAC in the state, Mrs Hapsatu Abdullahi, said the RoLAC programme in the state had
four components, comprising implementation of Nigerian Criminal Justice Reform agenda.

Others, she said, were: access to justice for women, children and persons with disabilities and
strengthening the fight against corruption.

According to her, the component also include enhancement of citizens’ civic and public engagement in
criminal justice sector reforms and the fight against corruption.

Banu also lauded the management of RoLAC programme and urged them to sustain the good work in boosting the
capacity of the personnel of the judiciary in the state.

He commended Gov. Muhammadu Bindow-led administration for its support to the judiciary, adding that in
spite of its lean purse, the administration always been addressing the demands of the judicial sector.