The Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has vowed to ensure stiffer punishment for Dr. Fred Ekpe-Ayokhai, a lecturer with the Federal University of Lafia, and three others for assaulting a 19-year-old girl in Lafia.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Aisha Rufai-Ibrahim, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Lafia the state capital.
The Women Affairs Commissioner also lauded the police for the kind of attention given to the case and for arraigning the suspects in court within the shortest time to ensure justice for the victim.
Rufai-Ibrahim said the ongoing prosecution of the suspects would serve as a deterrent to others. He called on those still in the habit of assaulting women and children to desist, as it is no longer tolerated in the state.
“Our gender-based violence response team and justice-based groups are monitoring the case to ensure no stone is left unturned in the bid to get a fair hearing and justice for the victim.’’
“The state government under Gov. Abdullahi Sule, considers, in particular, the action of the prime suspect, a person who is supposed to mentor youths, as unpardonable and shameful.’’
“The state is known for its respect for human and girl-child rights and extant laws from which all actions of the government are conceived, tailored, and, implemented,” she stated.
She, therefore, called on women and youths in the state that the unfortunate action exhibited by the suspects would not be swept under the carpet and their rights would, at times, be promoted and protected.
Voice of Nigeria reports that the police command in the state had earlier arraigned, and the suspect, Dr. Ekpa-.Ayokhai 53 years, Emmanuela Ayokhai 18 years, Bob Praise-Ayokhai 23 years and Saint-Dan Ayokhai 21years at High Court 1, Lafia before Justice Aisha Aliyu, the Chief Judge CJ of the state.
The suspects were arraigned on six counts of charges of Criminal Conspiracy, House Breaking and Criminal Force, assault on women with intent to outrage modesty, Kidnapping, and Inflicting physical.
VON also reports that the Chief Judge has assigned the case to High Court Obi, and the suspects were remanded at Lafia Custodian Centre.
Dominica Nwabufo
