Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has commended the landmark judgment delivered by the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu, which sentenced Ahmadu Yaro to 21 years’ imprisonment for the rape of a three-month-old baby in Adogi village.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the verdict as a bold reaffirmation of the justice system’s duty to protect the most vulnerable members of society — children.
“The Ministry reiterates that such inhuman violations will never again be confined or excused. Justice will be visible, survivor-focused, and unrelenting,” she said.
She noted that the case underscored the relevance of the Child Rights Act (CRA), now domesticated in all 36 states of the Federation, but insisted that domestication must be followed by robust enforcement.
“This is a courageous and commendable affirmation of the justice system’s role in protecting the most vulnerable among us — our children,” the Minister stated.
She applauded the Chief Judge for her decisive pronouncement and praised the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Nasarawa State, Barr. Isaac Danladi, for his personal appearance in court, which she said reflected renewed institutional commitment to tackling sexual and gender-based violence.
“We applaud the Chief Judge for her firm pronouncement and leadership from the bench, as well as the extraordinary dedication of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Nasarawa State, Barr. Isaac Danladi, whose personal appearance in court signals a renewed institutional will to confront sexual and gender-based violence with the seriousness it deserves,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim affirmed that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, acts of violence against women and children would no longer be ignored, concealed, or treated lightly.
She also commended Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for fostering an environment where justice can prevail.
“This verdict is not only a victory for the victim’s family but a powerful reflection of a state administration that places the safety, dignity, and rights of women and children at the core of its governance. His leadership continues to signal that impunity will not be tolerated in Nasarawa State,” she said.
The Minister reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of child abuse face the full weight of the law, while survivors receive care and dignity.
She called on all states to emulate Nasarawa’s stance and urged families, communities, law enforcement, and the judiciary to work together in building a Nigeria where every child is safe, protected, and valued.
“Let this ruling serve as a turning point — one that inspires institutional courage, deepens our national resolve, and signals to all offenders that Nigeria will no longer shield those who violate her children,” she emphasised.
PIAK