18th February, 2014
Worried by high incidence of rape cases awaiting trial in courts, the Katsina State Government has urged the people and the justice system to join hands in fighting the menace.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Alhaji Ibrahim Dantsoho, said that the increasing cases of rape have become a source of concern to parents, government and other stakeholders.
According to him, in Katsina Local Government alone, there are 21 rape cases awaiting trial from January to date.
“It is unfortunate to note that out of every 10 cases brought to our courts, five are on rape, and in most cases, the victims are small girls,’’ he said.
The commissioner said such illegal acts prompted the state government to amend Section 283 of the Penal Code cap 96 of 1991.
He urged parents and relations of victims of rape to always report such cases to the appropriate authorities for necessary action and redress to serve as deterrent to others.
“If people are fully aware of the punishment prescribed for rape in the state, no one will want to commit it,’’ he said.
The commissioner said Section 36(4a) of the Constitution has provided for the exclusion of public hearing on the matter if the victim was below 18 years of age.
He urged the media to assist in informing the public on the punishment prescribed for rapists in the state, adding that ignorance of the law was not an excuse.