Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has directed the investigation of the case of an alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of some students in Ajaokuta by a private lesson teacher.
The Ministry had earlier received a petition from Grit and Clarity Attorneys dated 18th December 2024 titled “Petition in respect of sexual abuse and exploitation by Mr. Shamsudeen Oluwatoyin Abiodun”.
The petition which was signed by H. I. Achuja, Esq for Grit and Clarity Attorneys acting on behalf of the ASCSS 1 Old Student Association (2012/2013 set) alleged that one Mr. Shamsudeen Oluwatoyin Abiodun, who is a teacher and operator of a Tutorial Academy, sexually assaulted young participants, accusing him of long-term abuse and exploitation of female students attending his tutorial academy in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
The petitioner avered to the existence of testimonies in support of their allegations.
In swift response to the petition, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development visited the Kogi State Police Command headquarters to verify actions taken thus far, on the case, as the petitioner had earlier petitioned the Commissioner of Police on the 18th of December 2024 on the same matter.
During the visit, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development further demanded immediate action and thorough investigation of the case.
Speaking shortly after a meeting with the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP William Ovye Aya, Barr. Lamija Oluwabusayo, the legal officer, Ministry Women Affairs and Social Development said “the law is very clear. We have various laws prohibiting sexual offences or defilement of any form.
“There is the Violence Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) Law, criminal code and the penal code as we have it in Kogi State which prohibits defilement and whoever contravenes these provisions would face the wrath of the law and have themselves accountable”.
She noted that the Ministry of Women and Social Development are excited that many survivors are coming out to speak out when they are been sexually abused in the state and ensure they get justice.
On the fear of stigmatization by survivors, the legal practitioner posited that the mental health of survivors should always be considered hence the society should learn to speak out to nip this in the bud in the society.
“The fact is that the more cases like that we bury, the less closure this young children have, and it will spiral into emotional trauma and mental issues. It is advisable for people to report such cases in a bid to protect other members of the society who may be going through similar situations” Oluwabusayo added.
Adding his voice, Inah Isaac, the Director, Planning, Research, and Statistics, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, noted that they were at the Police headquarters on the mandate of the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatimah Momoh, to actually ascertain the status of the case reported to the ministry.
“When we got to the office of the Police Public Relations Officer SP William Ovye Aya he said he has not been properly briefed on the case. However, the gender desk of the Police Command confirmed that they have earlier gotten the Petition from the same law firm. According to them, they have begun their processes. But to me, this is very slow,” Inah said.
He lamented that the spate of sexual abuse is becoming rampant in the State noting that this case will not be swept under the carpet.
“The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development will pursue this case to a logical conclusion. We won’t allow it to be swept under the carpet. The Ministry will ensure that justice is served quickly. If the suspect is found guilty, he must face the full wrath of the law,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Gender Director of the Ministry, Olorunayetan Titilayo who also lamented on the spate of sexual abuse in the State averred that more sensitization in churches, mosque, rural areas will help to address this menace in the society.
Continuing, Titilayo said “We must commend the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hajia Fatimah Momoh for taking the bold step to ensure that justice is served in this case.
“Since assuming this office, even the blind man could attest to the fact that there has been remarkable transformation in the ministry. Perpetuators of sexual abuse, gender-based violence must always be brought to book in our State”.
