Minister of women affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has commended the 21-year prison sentence handed to Ahmadu Yaro, who was convicted of raping a three-month-old baby in Adogi village, Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the ruling by the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Aisha Aliyu, as a bold and crucial step toward protecting Nigeria’s most vulnerable, its children.
“This judgement is a commendable affirmation of the justice system’s role in safeguarding our children,” she said.
The horrific incident, which occurred in 2020, sparked national outrage and calls for justice from civil society groups and human rights activists.
The long-awaited ruling has now been widely received as a milestone in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim lauded the leadership of Justice Aliyu and acknowledged the presence of the state’s attorney general, Barr. Isaac Danladi, during the court session as a demonstration of government seriousness in tackling crimes against children.
She also appreciated the support of Governor Abdullahi Sule for fostering an environment where justice can thrive.
“The verdict is not only a victory for the victim’s family but a powerful statement that impunity will not be tolerated in Nasarawa State,” she declared.
The 45-year-old further emphasised the need to implement the Child Rights Act (CRA), which has now been domesticated across Nigeria’s 36 states and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to holding child abusers accountable while ensuring support for survivors.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, she affirmed that violence against children and women would no longer be ignored or downplayed.
“Justice will be visible, survivor-focused, and unrelenting,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged other states to follow Nasarawa’s lead in pursuing justice for vulnerable citizens and called for collaboration among families, communities, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to create a safer Nigeria.
“Let this ruling serve as a turning point,” the minister concluded. “A signal to all offenders that Nigeria will no longer shield those who violate her children.”
