The Federal Government says it’s planning to create specialized courts and judicial divisions to handle cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami,who disclosed this at a virtual conference on “Special event on gender dimensions of criminal justice responses to terrorism,” ,explained that the measure is part of the Federal Government’s renewed effort to address issues bordering sexual and gender-based violence.
He lamenting the incessant cases of kidnapping and abduction of school children, which he noted, was targeted at discouraging them from accessing education.
He said in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, the Complex Case Group under the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice lead in the efforts to bring suspected terrorists to justice and also work to include sexual violence-related charges against Boko Haram suspects in collaboration with the military, police and other security service investigators from the multiagency Joint Investigation Centre, in North-East Nigeria.
He said the current administration recognizes that giving a voice to women is an important aspect of development as women are important agents of positive change.
He expressed dissatisfaction that terrorist groups continue to kidnap and commit sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls noting that preventing these crimes and bringing those who commit these acts to justice remains a priority of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.