A rights group, the African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa) says justice for victims of sexual violence is not negotiable, hence it’s condemnation of any act or behaviour that denies victims of sexual abuse and violence justice
CHARS-Africa in a statement at the weekend titled “MISCONDUCT IN RAPE CASES IN ABIA STATE: A TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE”, signed by her Executive Director,Amaka Biachi, Esq., and made available to DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS condemned in it’s entirety a disturbing trend and incessant out of court settlement in rape cases in Abia State.
The statement then made a five-point demands including a review of such withdrawals of suits from court in the past two years by the state attorney general.
The demands included: “Review: The Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice should without delay audit all rape/defilement cases dismissed, withdrawn or struck out in the past twenty-four (24) months.
2. Disciplinary Action: Erring police prosecutors should face sanctions under the Police Act, 2020.
3. Judicial Vigilance: Magistrates and Judges should reject any prosecutorial submission for withdrawal without formal application from the Attorney General of the state. Such persons seeking to undermine the powers of the court, whether victim or relation should be decisively dealt with.
4. Training and Sensitization: Continuous legal education should be provided for police prosecutors, judiciary and the citizens.
5. Strategic Litigation: CHARS-Africa will not only consider initiating strategic litigation to curb this practice, but will involve in naming and shaming of the human clogs to the wheel of justice.”
CHARS-Africa”strongly condemns the alleged disturbing trend whereby prosecutors in rape and defilement cases connive with victims, guardian and parents (of minors) to undermine the powers of the court by yielding to the request of the victim or the parents or guardians on the basis of “lack of interest” or “request for out of court settlement” instead of prosecuting the offender until justice is dispensed.
”This practice which is not supported by Law results in miscarriage of justice as it is a direct affront to Nigeria’s Criminal Justice System which is meant to protect the victim, the minor and serve as a deterrent to the offender. Furthermore, it undermines public confidence in the justice system, and exposes vulnerable children to further risks,” it explained.
