Niger govt, Police, CSOs demand action after repeat child sex offender is re-arraigned
Concerns Rise Over Justice System in Niger State Following Re-arrest of Suspect in Child Assault Case
NIGER STATE, Nigeria — Officials in Niger State are expressing fresh concerns about perceived deficiencies in the justice system following the re-arrest and arraignment of a 40-year-old man accused of attempting to sexually assault three minors in Kontagora.
The suspect, identified as Jafar Muhammed, also known as Danlami, was taken into custody on February 11 while allegedly attempting to lure children with sweets in an uncompleted building in the Sabon Gari area.
Hajia Aisha Kuta, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, noted that Muhammed was previously apprehended in June 2022 for a similar offense involving a three-year-old girl but was later released.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Kuta hosted a Civil Society Organization under the auspices of Global Promoters for Community Initiatives, which is implementing the SCAPAGBV 3.0 project supported by the Nigeria Women Trust Fund. Kuta expressed dismay at the suspect’s return to the streets and subsequent alleged criminal behavior.
According to Kuta, one of the minors, aged between five and seven, managed to escape and alert her grandmother, which led to Muhammed’s arrest with assistance from community members.
Kuta pledged that her ministry would closely monitor the case until its resolution, emphasizing that individuals facilitating bail for repeat offenders should also face scrutiny. “This offense is not bailable. He was arrested before, charged to court, and, somehow, released. We must ask what happened,” she stated.
Kuta further outlined the state government’s commitment to advocating for strict judicial measures to deter future incidents. Her ministry has also provided financial support to the victims’ families to cover medical tests and logistical needs, ensuring they do not abandon the pursuit of justice due to economic hardship.
Mr. Olasukanmi Kalejaiye, Project Director of SCAPAGBV 3.0, affirmed that measures would be taken to ensure the suspect is held accountable under the law.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the previous arrest and prosecution of Muhammed for a similar offense. However, he stated that the police were not privy to the circumstances that led to his release.
“At our level, we carried out an investigation and charged him to court. The judiciary is a separate institution; we do not interfere with their decisions. He has now been charged again, and prosecution is ongoing,” Abiodun explained.
The police spokesman reiterated that crimes involving defilement and attempted defilement are serious offenses under current legislation, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the Child Rights Law, which carry severe penalties.
