Rape

Defiled Muslim minor: MURIC demands justice

  • News Desk

The fourteen (14) year old daughter of an Igbo Muslim, Mallam Tahir Akpan, has been reportedly defiled. The suspect, Emeka Emmanuel, 29, has been remanded in Kirikiri Correction Centre.

But an Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has raised the alarm concerning attempts being made by certain people to sweep the matter under the carpet. MURIC has insisted on justice for the family of the defiled Muslim girl.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The statement reads :

“A fourteen (14) year old Muslim girl has been allegedly defiled by one Emeka Emmanuel, 29 of No. 2, Sam Onwudinjo Street, Igbo Elerin, Lagos State. The victim is the daughter of an Igbo Muslim, Mallam Tahir Akpan.  

“Although the suspect has been remanded in Kirikiri Correction Centre by the Family Magistrate Court, Agbo Malu, Ajegunle since 13th April, 2023, we are raising the alarm today because of attempts being made by certain people to sweep the matter under the carpet.

“According to the victim’s father, Mallam Tahir Akpan, from Ini Local Government of Akwa Ibom State, a highly placed individual in Igbo Elerin, Lagos State, has threatened to deal with him for refusing to soft-pedal on the matter. The father also alleged that the culprit’s lawyer also threatened to write a petition against him alleging child abuse.

“MURIC rejects this attempt to arm-twist Mr Tahir Akpan. He is a well-educated, highly enlightened, disciplined and fearless man. The threat to deal with him and to charge him for child abuse is sheer blackmail. How can a sexual abuse complainant be turned into an accused? What kind of justice is that?

“We suspect foul play. We warn that officials involved in this case should not allow themselves to be used in circumventing the law. Any attempt to turn the case upside down will be resisted with every legitimate means available. We want those involved to know that Akpan is not alone. MURIC and all conscious and freedom-loving Nigerians are with him.

“MURIC demands justice for the Akpan family on this case of sexual assault on their underaged daughter. Also, in view of threats issued against the victim’s father, Mr. Tahir Akpan, we warn that nothing should happen to him or any member of his family.

“MURIC is in possession of the medical report which confirms a case of penetration and defilement against the culprit. We therefore warn all those who are making attempts to interfere with the course of justice in this case to steer clear. The Akpan family is fully aware of their Allah-given and fundamental human rights and any attempt to encroach on any aspect of their rights will be rebuffed with the full force of the law.

“Finally, we commend the police in Iba for playing their role professionally and fearlessly. By taking the case to court, the police have proved that they have no skeleton in their cupboard.

“However, it is not over until it is over. There is one more thing the police need to do. We demand full protection for the family, and the onus falls on the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Iba Police Station, Iba, to ensure this for Mr Tahir Akpan and all members of his family. MURIC will continue to monitor the situation until justice prevails.”

#JusticeForAkpanFamily

Afflictions and Stitches

By Zee Aslam

The door slammed open to reveal a heart-touching moment of a mother struggling to discover her breath as she aimed to bring another life into the world. The birth of a baby is one of the world’s most wondrous and hazardous moments. 

Childbirth is a challenge, but it is undoubtedly one of life’s most rewarding events. As painful and fearsome as it may seem, the mother has this wonderful emotion overwhelming her as she awaits the arrival of her bundle of joy. 

Being a mother comes with lots of sacrifices. Your body figure will be altered, re-moulded, and your brain becomes addled as you are being re-programmed right from the womb swelling with pride down to experiencing the pain of labour. 

Pregnancy is exciting and scary all at the same time. Some days feel like a breeze, while others are just plain hard. However, the long nights with no sleep and mood swings are all worth it. 

Despite all the doctors, nurses, and loved ones in the room during childbirth, it is all about you, your body, and your child. It’s an incredible experience. It’s like uncovering a superpower you never realised you had. 

As she gasped for air while pushing out the baby, she looked around her and reminisced on the decision she took months back, which she never regretted once but still harboured doubts and fears. “What would become of this baby?” She asked herself. 

The cry of her little one signalled the beginning of a new life. She looked keenly as the nurse cleaned up her baby and placed him on her, wrapped in boundless passion. 

The aftermath of her decision just began. At night and when the hospital staff were distracted by an emergency, she stealthily sneaked out and walked miles away to a place where an orphanage was situated before dropping off the baby at the foot of a gate and then knocking at it. 

An elderly woman came out and was attracted to the baby’s cries. She stood halfway, staring at the innocent boy before she reduced her height and picked him up inside. The mother watching from afar, only wiped off tears as they streamed down her face. “That was the best she could do for her baby”. 

She travelled down memory lane to the path where some unknown men abducted, defiled and abused her. Then she thought she only paid the price of being an orphan roaming on the street, but now she knows better. 

Her life took a new turn and brought her to face its realities, she has just given away her soul and a piece of her heart to a total stranger, but she rests assured that her boy will grow up amidst other kids and be a better person. 

She calmly dragged her feet out of that street to what she called home and picked up the remnant from her shattered life, yearning to stitch them back together. 

If she could turn back the hands of time, she would. 

But since it’s beyond her control, she will only move on with her life and keep praying for the best to unfold into a piece. 

End of the game

By Zee Aslam

“Bring him in and untie his eyes”, he heard a female voice snarling in the background. He tried recalling where he had heard that voice before, but it did not sound familiar to him at all. 

He looked around and saw that he was in a deserted building, there were sharp instruments everywhere, and the smell of fresh blood originated from a corner. She stood up from her chair and walked to where he was sitting with his hands tied to his feet. Before he could say a word, she had chopped off two of his fingers and whipped him severally. Then, mixed together different liquids in a bottle and handed it over to him. 

“Gulp it down, or I smash your head”, her thunderous voice echoed across the four walls. 

He couldn’t lift a finger, and his body kept trembling in fear, so she collected the bottle and emptied it down his throat. He had lost the surviving strength running through his limbs. Hence, he couldn’t retaliate nor attempt to stop her. 

“I want to watch you die slowly, shred your body into pieces and feed it to the vultures. I want the pains you inflicted on me to manifest on you before your death. That way, I will feel fulfilled”. After these words left her mouth, she picked up the knife from the table and took a few steps forward till she could hear his heart beating heavily.

“Open your mouth”, she ordered. 

“Please, have mercy on me”. He said amidst sobs. 

“Ohh wow, do you remember when I said these words too, or were you so engulfed in your selfishness that you couldn’t lend me a listening ear, you were man enough to take control notwithstanding the aftermath of your greed, right? It’s time to pay for your debt”. With this, she beckoned her boys to forcefully open his mouth while she slit part of his tongue.

“Now, swallow it, or I will proceed to slit your throat”, she bellowed dropping the piece she had cut off in his mouth. He collapsed, groaning with pain as blood streamed down his throat. 

“Get a bucket of water from the freezer and pour it all over him”. 

He dumbly opened his eyes and glimpsed at her angry figure, he wanted to speak, but words deserted his mouth, and the pain emanating from his cut couldn’t let him move his tongue. Not in a thousand years would he have imagined this happening to him. He had scaled through so many times; why is this particular victim a thorn in his flesh, does this mean his end is here after all? 

“Are you reminiscing on what had transpired between us”? Her voice jolted him back to reality. 

“After you left me almost lifeless on the street that day, I swore to make you pay for what you did. I had my boys trace your whereabouts and even gathered some information about you. That was when I learnt that society doesn’t need people like you; rapists deserve to rot in hell. But wait, don’t you have a conscience at all, how can you knock down random girls just to rape them, how on earth? I mean, why do we have to share the same earth with you all?”. She spoke in great anger. 

“Make him stand”, she ordered. 

The boys unfastened his hands and feet, then held him side by side till he was up. Staring at the sharp edge of the blade, his heart sank. 

“Why do I smell fear, are you curious to know what I intend to do with the blade?”. She asked with bittered smiles written all over her face. He only nodded. 

“Strip him off his clothes. Let’s get started”. She uttered quickly and authoritatively. His body sensated to every move she made, but he couldn’t help it. 

With tears in his eyes, he watched as she cut off his sexual organ. His wails were arrested by tying a gag around his mouth. It was a dreadful and sickening sight to behold. After going through severe agony, he was whipped to death and thrown out. His bloodied body was found in a public toilet the next day. 

That morning, her attention was called to the awful scene by a large number of a crowd she had seen along her way to the office. Many people who have seen or heard of what had befallen him had mixed feelings. Among the crowd were some of his victims. Seeing this predator lying in the pool of his own blood in this state made them feel gratified. 

She curved the corners of her mouth and flashed her most winning smile. She has finally put an end to the game he started. 

Zee Aslam can be reached via zeeaslam19059@gmail.com.

Rape of Muslim Woman: MURIC demands justice

  • News Desk

Oyo State branch of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has waded into the case of rape inside the mosque in Ibadan where a Muslim woman was raped inside a mosque by one Idris, a.k.a. Kesari Rekereke.  

In a press statement released on Wednesday, 1st February 2023, by Ustadh Ibrahim Agunbiade, the ambassador of MURIC in Oyo State, the group warned that the case must not be swept under the carpet.

MURIC confirmed that the suspect is Kesari Rekereke. The group further noted that Kesari Rekereke is the son of a transport union leader known as Almajiri of the Oyo State National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).  

The Islamic human rights organisation called for the prosecution of Idris and warned that the case must not be swept under the carpet. Although MURIC commended the police for arresting the culprit, it maintained that justice must not only be done in this case, it must be seen to have been done.

The group also appealed to Muslims in the state to refrain from attempting any reprisal attack.

On the rapist palace guard and the homosexual emir’s servant

By Safiyanu Ladan

In the last couple of weeks, Zazzau Emirate was thrown into a bewildering dilemma after the arrest of one Shehu Umar Ciroman Baraya (Emir’s servant) by the police for sodomising a minor and the arrest of Sama’ila Abubakar Rimini Tsiwa for allegedly gang-raping a would-be bride. Both incidents did not go down well with one of the oldest emirates in the country.

The reports of such an abomination, which occurred within a few days, drew condemnations within and outside the emirate. While commenting on the issue of sodomy, the emirate expressed ‘rude shock’, saying that as an institution that believes in the rule of laws, it will not allow any form of immorality to exist within its ambit.

It also appealed to the police and any other security agencies handling the matter to expedite action and ensure that the accused is prosecuted without further delay to serve as a deterrent to others.

While people are still contemplating the vast degree of damage the case of sodomy would bring to the palace following associating the culprit with the revered institution, another one struck. And it’s the most disgusting and disturbing.

Traditional institutions are the custodian of the people’s norms, values, and traditions. As such, people with questionable characters should not be allowed to associate closely with them because their immoral attitudes will tarnish their image and jeopardise their hard-earned values and norms. Therefore, the prompt action of the Zazzau emirate for the immediate dismissal of the randy palace guard and condemning the heinous act of homosexuality is commendable as it would serve as a deterrent to others.

Sexual exploitation in whatever forms are unacceptable. For these rapists to use their positions to obtain sexual favours from vulnerable victims is callous, and it, therefore, stands condemned. Given the current happenings and the rate at which cases of rape are being reported almost daily in our society, the lack of provision of a coherent and vibrant system that will deal ruthlessly with perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to others has aided its escalation.

While noting that the suspects were reportedly prosecuted and currently languishing in prison custody awaiting trials and judgement, I call on the Kaduna state government and other stakeholders not to relent. Instead, you should ensure that the cases are thoroughly investigated and that justice is served accordingly.

Safiyanu Ladan wrote from Zaria via uncledoctor24@gmail.com.

Court jails man,52, for raping, impregnating daughter

By Uzair Adam Imam

A 52-year-old man who raped and impregnated his 18-year-old daughter wept for mercy as Ikeja Special Offences Court sentenced him to 21 years imprisonment on Thursday.

The convict identified as Akin Isaac knelt down in tears to plea with the court for mercy, saying he had an aged mother to look after.

During the court sitting, the prosecutor said that the defendant had started having intercourse with his 18-year-old daughter while she was six years old.

The Daily Reality recalls how police in Ogun State had arrested a 46-year-old Olusegun Oluwole for allegedly raping his 17-year-old daughter on weekends.

His arrest followed a complaint lodged at Ibara police station in Abeokuta by the man’s owned daughter (name withheld).

This was disclosed in a statement Sunday by the state Police Spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi.

Oyeyemi said the father forcefully raped his own daughter and threatened to kill her if she dared to tell anyone about the incident.

He stated that, “the girl said while she was sleeping in their one room apartment at Amolaso area of Abeokuta, on a night, her father, having observed that others were fast asleep suddenly grabbed her and forcefully had sex with her.

“On interrogation, the father of six, who confessed to the crime pleaded for forgiveness, claiming not knowing what came over him when he committed the crime,” Oyeyemi said.

Police nab father who rapes own child in Ogun

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Police Command in Ogun State has confirmed the arrest of 46-year-old Olusegun Oluwole for allegedly raping his 17-year-old daughter.

His arrest followed a complaint lodged at Ibara police station in Abeokuta by the man’s own daughter (name withheld).

This was discussed in a statement Sunday by the state Police Spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi.

Oyeyemi said the father forcefully raped his own daughter and threatened to kill her if she dared to tell anyone about the incident.

He stated that, “The girl said while she was sleeping in their one room apartment at Amolaso area of Abeokuta, on a night, her father, having observed that others were fast asleep suddenly grabbed her and forcefully had sex with her.

“On interrogation, the father of six, who confessed to the crime pleaded for forgiveness, claiming not knowing what came over him when he committed the crime,” Oyeyemi said.

Kannywood movie review: AISHA

  • Director: Hafizu Bello
  • Producer: Abubakar Bashir Mai-Shadda
  • Screenplay: Naziru Alkanawiy
  • Language: Hausa
  • Company: Mai-Shadda Global Resources Limited
  • Release Date: 9/7/2022
  • Cast: Amal Umar, Nura Hussaini, Adam A. Zango, Sani Danja, Shamsu Dan Iya, Sani Mu’azu, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Sadiya Umar, Abdurrazak Sultan, etc.

You can hardly see a ‘thriller’ or a ‘crime mystery film’ in Kannywood’s archive. Recently, however, the trend has begun to change, as the rare genre is being explored by the veteran director Hafizu Bello. After presenting the murder mystery film HIKIMA in 2021, he came again with another one entitled AISHA. It revolves around the eponymous character, a rape victim who eventually dies, and her parents’ struggle for justice.

Aisha (Amal Umar) is a university student from a low-income family. Her father, Malam Balarabe (Nura Hussaini), tries his best to see her success. However, one fateful day, she is found lying, raped and wounded on campus. The police soon arrive and take her to the hospital. Meanwhile, the university management is more concerned about the school’s reputation. They, therefore, conspire with the police officer in charge of the case, SP Audu Makera (Adam A. Zango) and the doctor (Abba El- Mustapha) to hide the embarrassing incident.

Aisha’s parents are upset and anxious to know the cause of their daughter’s critical condition, but the doctor refuses to tell them. Therefore, her father questions the official report issued after she dies and files a petition to get justice. The audience is then taken to the courtroom, where everything is unmasked at the end.

Typical of mystery films, the plot is uncommonly twisted. Many sequences are cut before they end and later continued as flashbacks, particularly when the suspects are interrogated. There are more flashbacks as the defendants and witnesses talk during the court sessions. But all are flawlessly pieced together. The credit should go to the director, Hafizu Bello, who handles the film with the finesse of a devoted artist. Other crew members also did remarkably well. The cinematography is top-notch, and the locations are beautiful. There is also good use of costumes and props.

The film exposes the grim reality in some higher institutions where the students commit serious misconduct. It can also be a wake-up call for parents to be extra cautious about their female children. We see how Aisha duped her father into believing she would spend her night in the hostel but ended up in her boyfriend’s room, where the tragedy later befalls her. The film also highlights how the elite plot against the masses to protect their selfish interests.

Indeed, Aisha is a decent, well-crafted movie with a strong message and realistic narrative. However, the University setting and courtroom dramas make it somewhat formulaic, resembling the director’s previous film Hikima. It would’ve also been more intriguing if it had begun from the scene where Aisha is shown lying on the ground.

The film has an all-star cast, and the actors fit their respective roles. But some of them, like Yakubu Muhammad and Baballe Hayatu, are wasted as minor characters. The eponymous heroine (Amal Umar), the prime suspect (Shamsu Dan Iya) and the security personnel (Sani Danja and Adam A. Zango) all try to pull off good performances. However, it’s Nura Hussaini that steals every scene he features. The courage and anguish he communicates as Aisha’s hapless father seem extremely real. The lawyers (Sani Mu’azu and Sadiya Umar) and the judge (Kanayo O. Kanayo) also play their part with remarkable capacity.

Although Aisha is not a masterpiece, it’s better than the fluffs Kannywood churn out regularly. I, therefore, strongly recommend it—rating 3.5/5.

Reviewed by:

Habibu Maaruf Abdu

Kano, Nigeria

habibumaaruf11@gmail.com

Sexual harassment: Invading women

By Khairat Suleiman Jaruma

As she walked through the fabric market, a man touched her lower waist, slightly touching her bottom. He then said, “Sexy girl, come buy from me”. She turned back abruptly and hissed. “Fool”, she muttered under her breath. But, she didn’t stop; she kept walking, minding her business.

Those are the kinds of unwelcomed and irritating gestures most women experience every day in public places like schools, offices, markets, malls, etc. Unfortunately, no one frowns at these things. Instead, when a woman complains out loud about these things, she is seen as short-tempered or very intolerant, and more often than not, she gets victim-blamed.

According to a YouGov survey, 97 per cent of women aged 18 to 24 have experienced sexual harassment in public space, and more than 70 per cent of women of all ages have endured such behaviour.

While most people always make excuses for sexual harassment, such as mode of dressing or gestures, I think there’s no excuse for sexual harassment. For me, it’s just a very exasperating level of immorality, given that you can always ask for permission. Sexual harassment has terrible and long-lasting effects on women, including a decrease in women’s productivity, confidence, self-esteem, and overall participation in every aspect of life.

Sexual harassment isn’t limited to making inappropriate advances. It includes any unwelcome verbal or physical behaviour, sharing sexually indecent images or videos, such as pornography or salacious gifs, sending suggestive letters, notes, or emails, staring in a sexually suggestive or offensive manner or whistling, making sexual comments about appearance, clothing, or body parts, inappropriate touching, including pinching, patting, rubbing, or purposefully brushing up against another person.

Responsibility for the eradication of sexual harassment rests on everyone’s shoulders. Notably, we need to teach our brothers and male children that harassing women is NOT “cool”; what is “cool” is having respect for the opposite or same sex, obtaining appropriate consent of the person involved, and accepting “NO” as meaning “NO”.

Lastly, every survivor of sexual harassment must send a message across the world that there is no disgrace in being a survivor of sexual harassment. Instead, the shame is on the aggressor.

Khairat Suleiman Jaruma wrote from Kaduna via khairatsuleh@gmail.com

Rape: Who could be trusted?

By Safiyanu Ladan

The rape and subsequent murder of two female university students in 2020, one in Benin inside the church, and the other in Ogun at her father’s house, has generated tension and condemnation from Nigerians. Even President Muhammadu Buhari followed the story, condemned the brutal acts, and commiserated with the victims’ families.

In addition, the Inspector General of Police directed an investigation into the matter through the AIG in charge of the zone. He gave him a clear mandate of apprehending and prosecuting the culprits. It was later reported that the police made some arrests related to the incidents.

Given the current happenings and the rate at which such cases are being reported almost daily in our society and the lack of provision of a coherent and vibrant system that will deal ruthlessly with perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to others has aided its escalation. In a nutshell, it seems blatant criminal acts such as this have come to stay with us due to fragile security conditions.

The unprecedented rate of sexual molestation among males and females of low and high profiles, always targeting vulnerable children, is alarming. Unfortunately, the situation in Nigeria has been more problematic because numerous cases of incest have been reported recently. The majority of the victims are minors, mainly between a few months and 12 years old.

Recently, Kaduna State High Court sitting at Dogorawa Sabon Gari, Zaria, has convicted one Usman Shehu Bashir of Dogarawa area to death by hanging for raping two years, nine-months-old girl to death. Moreover, In Jigawa, 15 people have been arrested by the police for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl for months.

Several cases of a father raping his daughter, uncle raping his niece, aunt raping her nephew, cousin raping his cousin and so on have been underreported out of the fear of stigma. However, the present reality is that children, most especially girls, are no longer safe around male folks no matter the relationship. The earlier we know this, the better.

It is time for parents/guardians to be more vigilant and watchful over their wards. However, if the father cannot be trusted, I don’t think anybody is left.

Safiyanu Ladan wrote from Zaria via uncledoctor24@gmail.com.