The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has hailed the sentencing of Ahmadu Yaro to 21 years in prison for the rape of a three-month-old baby in Adogi village, Nasarawa State, as a landmark ruling in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister described the verdict by the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu, as both courageous and deeply reassuring. “This judgement is a commendable affirmation of the justice system’s responsibility in protecting our most vulnerable—our children,” she said.
She also applauded the leadership and determination demonstrated by Justice Bashir-Aliyu, and commended the presence of the Nasarawa State Attorney General, Barr. Isaac Danladi, at the trial. According to the Minister, this was a clear demonstration of institutional commitment to justice for survivors of heinous crimes.
Minister Imaan expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, for fostering an environment where the rule of law prevails and justice is served without fear or favour.
“This verdict is more than justice for one child—it is a bold message to offenders that Nasarawa State will not tolerate impunity,” she said.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to the enforcement of the Child Rights Act (CRA), which has been domesticated across all 36 states, the Minister noted that the ruling aligns with national efforts to protect children and punish violators accordingly.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister emphasized that violence against children and women would no longer be ignored or downplayed.
“Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be survivor-focused and uncompromising,” she declared.
She called on other states to emulate Nasarawa’s firm stance by strengthening their legal systems, increasing survivor support services, and prioritizing the safety of women and children.
“Let this ruling mark a new era,” the Minister concluded. “An era where no child is unprotected, and no perpetrator is shielded.”
ADEOLA KUNLE
