A MEMBER of the Lavun Emirate Council of Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State, Abubakar Gimba Galadima has been accused of the outright denial of justice for a 16-year-old girl, who was violently raped by four men from Kashikoko village in the area.
In an exclusive interview with THE QUEST TIMES, the victim’s father, Malam Ibrahim Anfani stated that his 16-year-old daughter, Hussaina Ibrahim was violently raped in April when she was trying to fetch firewood from the bush.
According to him, Husaina was beaten, pushed to the ground and brutally raped by two of the men while another two held her hands and legs. In the process, she was severely injured and traumatized to the extent that she had to be hospitalized at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida.
Anfani said that in his effort to get justice, he reported the case to the police but the police referred him to the local court and the four men were subsequently arrested.
The four suspected rapists are Ladan Yanegi Kashikoko, Isah Kudu Kashikoko, Kabiru Yatwuya and Nasiru Kashikoko.
To this dismay of the father, even though the case was further referred to the Niger State Police Headquarters in Minna for further investigation, the four suspected rapists have since been released.
The aggrieved father further explained that two of the suspected rapist were released on bail after paying the sum of 1.6 million naira while one of the suspects was left in jail until recently released.
Anfani further lamented that at the release of the two rapists, one of the suspects accosted him and boasted that even if he is taken to court, he will be released and set free because he is backed by Alhaji Abubakar Gimba, the Galadima Raban Nupe of Bida Emirate
Anfani alleged that as things stand, the four suspected rapists have since been released on bail and all efforts to get these men charged for rape is being swept under the carpet.
He further claimed that he is being forced by some members of the security agencies and the Emirate Council to drop further prosecution against the perpetrators.
He highlighted an instance, when he has called by the Police to settle his grievance with one of the rapist, who is allegedly being shielded by the Galadima and was offered a bribe settlement of ‘ making him a village head’.
Stating his disposition towards how both the police and the Lavun Emirate Council are trying to cover up the injustice that has been done to his daughter, Malam Anfani in tears, explained that his daughter is no longer the calm and happy person she used to be.
“Instead Husaina is now fearful, withdrawn and mostly afraid to come out of the house”. Mallam Anfani also alleged that this is not the first time that these four men have brutally raped young girls in the town.
Mallam narrated that two other girls had previously fell victims of these rapists and when the fathers of the girls took the case to the police, they were bribed into silence but for him, he would not accept any compensation except the suspect are charged to court.
He then appealed to the members of the public to come to his rescue in ensuring that his daughter gets justice.
The Niger State Police Command responded to our correspondent’s inquiry, confirming the arrest and promising to get in touch once the Headquarters finish their investigation.
Furthermore, as of the time of filing this report, THE QUEST TIMES was unable to reach the Emirate Council’s representatives for comment.
QUEST TIMES
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