By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
The Sokoto State Director of Public Prosecution, (DPP), Barrister Aishatu Ahmad Kaoje, has applauded the efforts of the State Gender Based Response Team, saying they have truly lived up to expectations.
Kaoje, who spoke while giving an overview of the State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law at the on-going 2-day training on guide to operate sexual offenders register, however added that Sokoto VAPP law is very unique in its entirety.
Highlighting some of the major interesting features of the VAPP law, the DPP said it has 28 offences with each being unique. For her, some of the notable sides are the inclusion of Sexual Offenders Register, and compensation to victims of GBV.
Singling out rape as one of the critical offenses captured as well, the DPP said rape, according to the Sokoto VAPP law, entails any act expressed or latent intentions involving the use of object or any body part to violate the dignity of others.
While categorizing punitive measures captured by the rape to include, life imprisonment for any perpetrators of below the age of 18, the DPP said for others, it ranges from 21 years with compensation and 25 years without option of fine for gang rape.
Kaoje who further appealed to lawyers in Sokoto to use the State VAPP law rather than the Penal Code in prosecuting rape perpetrators, gave her reasons to include, all encompassing.
The 2-day training was organized by the Sokoto State ministry of Women and Children Affairs, with support from E-U UN Spotlight Initiative for 40 government officials and relevant stakeholders on how to operate the sexual offenders register on issues relating to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in the state.
Speaking earlier in her opening remarks, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hon Kulu Sifawa represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Barrister Aisha Mohammed Dantosho, decried that the case of GBV is so disturbing but needs collaboration by all stakeholders to overcome. NNL.
