Sultan Demands Speedy Trial, Justice On GBV, Child Trafficking Offenders

Sultan Demands Speedy Trial, Justice On GBV, Child Trafficking Offenders

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has appealed to the Nigerian authorities to facilitate speedy prosecution of child traffickers and gender based violence offenders to help help reduce the menace.

Sultan, who made the appeal in Sokoto during the 20th Year Anniversary celebration of the National Agency For The Prohibition Of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP), Sokoto Zonal Command, added that delay in justice delivery gives perpetrators impetus to continue their unacceptable acts.

Represented by the District Head (Sarkin Yakin Gagi), Alhaji Sani Umar Jabi, the Sultan insisted parental responsibility must be encouraged and adhered to inspite of whatever condition. 

Collaborating the Sultan’s appeal in his goodwill message, the Sokoto State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mustapha Gidado appealed to NAPTIP to help sanitise Sokoto by ensuring adequate application of the  Child Rights Acts through prosecution of parents that allow their wards to roam the streets begging in the guise of Almajiri. 

The event with the theme, ’20 Years of Integrity, Commitment and Justice: Strengthening Partnership Against Human Trafficking and Violence Against Persons”, has in attendance prominent stakeholders from across all walk of life. 

Responding to why justice seems delayed in the eyes of many, Sokoto State Chief Judge, Justice Mohammed Saidu Sifawa represented by the State Chief Registrar Aliyu Jafar Mohammed said lots of factors are responsible for what some sees as delayance. 

According to the legal luminary, justice rushed sometimes could lead to justice flushed, hence the law requires that fair hearing must be given to all accused persons, in addition to delays from filing, investigation, and other legal processes that must be deligently followed. 

The State Chief Judge further added that, NAPTIP is a dependable stakeholder in the adminstration of justice.

Delivering her keynote address, the Director General, (DG) NAPTIP, Hajiya Binta Lami Bello represented by Misbau Iya Kaura affirmed that NAPTIP has investigated and  secured several convictions on trafficking related offences which serves as a strong deterrent to others. 

“Equally commendable is NAPTIP’s relentless effort in public enlightenment and community engagement through advocacy campaign in schools, markets, local parks,  communities, places of worship, rural areas which has sensitized citizens on the dangers of human trafficking, child exploitation, irregular migration and gender based violence”.

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While noting that  collaboration with sister security agencies, traditional institutions, religious and community leaders as well as stakeholders, development partners and social and civil society organizations has help greatly in the areas intelligence sharing, victim support mechanism and coordinated response to trafficking trend within the Sokoto Zonal Command, the DG, Binta appealed to Sokoto State government to set up Task Force Against Human Trafficking considering that fact that the State is often used as exit route. 

The DG also appealed to the State to support NAPTIP with operational logistic and mobility  given the vast territorial coverage and border nature of the state.

“On behalf of the Director General of NAPTIP, I congratulate the Sokoto Zonal  Command on this remarkable milestone of 20 years of impactful service to the humanity. May Almighty Allah continue to strengthen and guide us in the fight against human trafficking and all forms of exploitation”.

Sokoto State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Nasir Mohammed Binji represented by the Director Public Prosecution, (DPP) Aisha Kaoje said the ministry is an active partner of NAPTIP.

 Present at the occasion include, the Director State Services (DSS) Sokoto, Heads of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), NDLEA, FRSC, NSCDC, NACTAL, various NGO’s, CBOs and the National Human Rights Commission