Imo police urged to adopt VAPP law for proper prosecution of GBV cases

Police in Imo State have been urged to adopt the Imo Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2021 as a legal framework to effectively address, investigate, and prosecute cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the state.

The call was made by Alliance For Africa (AfA), a social development feminist non-governmental organisation, at the flag-off of a one-day training for police officers on the implementation of the Imo State VAPP Law (2021).

The event was organised by the group and held at Protea Hotel, Owerri, over the weekend.

Speaking at the event, AfA Executive Director Ms. Iheoma Obibi said the training was designed to strengthen the capacity of police officers by equipping them with in-depth knowledge of GBV as well as an understanding of gender roles “that have stereotyped the conduct, actions, and inactions of persons in society, even to their detriment.”

She added that lessons from the training would also help the participants “develop and implement strategies within the police force to improve the support and protection of victims, focusing on enhancing reporting mechanisms and creating a more survivor-centered approach in handling GBV and sexual harassment cases.”

In his keynote address, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, said the VAPP Law represents a significant advancement in the police’s legal framework, aimed at combating gender-based violence and safeguarding the rights of every individual in the state.

He said, “To all participating officers, I urge you to engage fully in today’s training. This program is designed to deepen your understanding of the VAPP Law and equip you with the tools needed for its effective implementation. The knowledge and skills you gain will be crucial in enhancing our collective ability to combat violence and uphold justice.”

CP Danjuma commended the organisers for their “dedication and meticulous planning,” which, according to him, was instrumental in making the initiative possible.

“Your efforts highlight the importance of professional development and demonstrate our shared resolve to address and prevent violence in our community,” he added.

Also, the Imo VAPP Law sponsor and former House Member in the state, Hon. Uju Onwudiwe, who expressed passion for the law, appealed to the police to work closely with civil society organisations to maximise the gains of the law.

According to her, “the police should be fully in charge of implementing the VAPP Law in order to effectively and conclusively prosecute cases of abuse, rape, and other related offenses in our state and society at large.”

She thanked AfA for their initiative in training the police personnel on the law, which she said was in the best interest of everyone in the state.

Adding his voice, the Traditional Ruler of Umuororonjo Community in Owerri Municipality, Eze Clinton Uboegbulam, called on the police to take GBV cases seriously and to avoid all forms of settlements outside the legal framework for such offences, stressing that these actions create bottlenecks in the pursuit of justice and traumatised victims further.