Prisoner holding metal cage in jail, no freedom concept
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has praised the 21-year prison sentence handed down to Ahmadu Yaro, who was convicted of raping a three-month-old baby in Adogi village, Nasarawa State.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the judgment—delivered by the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu—as a courageous and critical step toward protecting the most vulnerable members of society: children.
“This judgment is a commendable affirmation of the justice system’s role in safeguarding our children,” the minister said.
She commended the leadership and bravery shown by Justice Bashir-Aliyu in delivering the verdict and lauded the presence of the state’s Attorney General, Mr. Isaac Danladi, in court, which she said signaled the institutional seriousness in addressing sexual and gender-based violence.
The minister also expressed appreciation to Governor Abdullahi Sule for fostering an environment where justice can be served effectively and without compromise.
“This ruling is not just a victory for the victim’s family; it is a powerful statement that impunity will no longer be tolerated in Nasarawa State,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
She highlighted the significance of enforcing the Child Rights Act (CRA), which has been domesticated across all 36 states, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that child abusers are held accountable and that survivors receive the care and support they need.
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister said, acts of violence against children and women will no longer be ignored or minimized.
“Justice will be visible, survivor-focused, and unrelenting,” she stated.
Calling on other states to emulate Nasarawa’s example, the minister urged families, communities, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary to unite in building a safer Nigeria for all children.
“Let this ruling serve as a turning point,” she concluded. “A signal to all offenders that Nigeria will no longer shield those who violate her children.”
The case, which sparked nationwide outrage when it occurred in 2020, has now culminated in a conviction after five years of legal proceedings. Justice Bashir-Aliyu, in her ruling, described the act as “barbaric, demonic, and a direct attack on the moral conscience of society,” noting that the sentence would serve as justice for the victim and a stern warning to others.
Yaro will serve the full 21-year jail term without the option of a fine.
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