By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has praised the recent sentencing of Ahmadu Yaro to 21 years in prison for the rape of a three-month-old baby, describing it as a landmark victory in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Jonathan Eze, Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to the Minister, it was disclosed that the Honourable Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended the ruling delivered by the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu, noting that the decision was a courageous and vital step toward ensuring justice for the most vulnerable members of society, children.
“This judgement is a commendable affirmation of the justice system’s role in safeguarding our children,” the minister stated, expressing particular appreciation for the judiciary’s firm stance on such heinous crimes. She lauded the leadership of Justice Bashir-Aliyu and the strong institutional backing shown by the Nasarawa State Attorney General, Barr. Isaac Danladi, whose presence in court underscored the seriousness with which the case was handled.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also thanked Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for creating an enabling legal and political environment that allowed justice to prevail. According to her, the ruling sends a clear and powerful message that crimes against children will not be tolerated.
“The verdict is not only a victory for the victim’s family but a powerful statement that impunity will no longer be tolerated in Nasarawa State,” she added.
Reiterating her Ministry’s resolve, the minister emphasized that the enforcement of the Child Rights Act (CRA), which has now been domesticated in all 36 states remains a priority. She stressed the importance of ensuring that perpetrators of child abuse face justice and that survivors are given the care, protection, and support they deserve.
She further tied the Ministry’s efforts to the overarching goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, under which the rights and dignity of women and children are to be fiercely protected. “Acts of violence against children and women will no longer be ignored or minimized. Justice will be visible, survivor-focused, and unrelenting,” she affirmed.
The Minister called on other states to emulate the example set by Nasarawa in dealing with child abuse cases. She urged communities, families, law enforcement, and the judiciary to collaborate closely in building a safe and just 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.”
