FG to establish special courts for rape cases

Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), says plans are underway to establish special courts for the speedy trial of rape cases.

There has been surge in the number of rape cases recorded in the country.

Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police (IGP), had said 717 rape cases were recorded within seven months.

Speaking a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Malami said his office has commenced the review of all existing laws and policies to offences of rape with a view of proposing relevant legislative changes.

Represented by Dayo Apata, solicitor-general of the federation, the minister said there are plans to also have a sexual offence register in various police formations and security agencies.

“To tackle this hydra-headed menace headlong, my office is currently engaging with the respective heads of courts, for the establishment of specialised courts for the speedy and seamless trial of rape/gender-based violence offences in Nigeria,” he said.

“The aforestated specialised court when established will necessarily create a timely/speedy trial of all pending and incoming rape and other related gender-based cases and facilitate their conclusion within record time.

“Further to above, my office has commenced the review of all existing laws and policy instruments relating to offences of rape, child defilement and gender-based violence in Nigeria.

“This, in essence, will enable holistic review aimed at proposing relevant legislative changes required to bridge the gaps between policy.

“For purposes of deterrence, efforts are being put in place in developing a framework for effective introduction of sexual offenders registrar in our various police formations, including in all the security agencies.”

The minister added that the publication of the sexual offenders data would cause “humiliation” and serve as a deterrence for such conduct.