AGF DIRECTS IGP TO INVESTIGATE ABIA GANG RAPE SAGA
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN) has directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim, to formally investigate the alleged gang rape in Abia State following a petition by a lawyer, Carol Ajie.
Last year, a recorded video tape of the gang rape of a young lady by five men was allegedly spread on the internet. Ajie had, therefore, petitioned the IGP to launch a formal investigation, prevention and punishment of the crime of assault on young and under-aged girls and the Abia gang rape. She also copied the AGF.
According to the petition, 'research reveals that when sexual and other crimes against young and under-aged girls happen, the victims are shy or scared to speak. Your charge and those of the officers under your formation is to give society a hand in extirpating assaults against our young and under-aged girls wherever they come from.
'This gang rape victim, herein tagged Miss X, has not yet been found, was kept incommunicado since the dastardly act occurred on or about the August 16, 2011 and the disgusting and distasteful tapes transmitted to all. Section 358 of Criminal Code Act (CCA) gives a life sentence for the offence of rape.
While Section 320 (2) of the same Act condemns to imprisonment for life, persons who, through their acts endanger human life, for the felonious offence, arrestable without warrant. Hence, justice must be seen to meet this criminal behaviour.
'In collaboration with the civil and human rights community and many concerned Nigerians, we await police quick responses to this petition and request that urgent steps be taken, reasons we copied the HAGF and justice minister, COP Abia State and the AG with a view to keeping every girl safe. Act now!'
Consequently, the office of the AGF in a letter signed by R.N. Dimude asked the IGP to investigate the matter and brief the AGF on steps taken in the investigation. The IGP was also instructed to ensure that justice was done.
'I am directed by the honourable attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice to bring to your notice, the above mentioned subject matter which was addressed to your office and copied to us.
'I am also directed to request that due to the sensitive nature of this matter and to ensure that justice is done in this case, your office briefs the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice on the steps taken so far in addressing it,' the letter stated.