The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for close monitoring of the ongoing prosecution of Senator Elisha Abbo, who is facing allegations of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group urged the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, to collaborate with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), FCT chapter, and other women and child rights groups to ensure that the case is properly monitored.
HURIWA commended the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, for resisting political pressure and ensuring that the case against the former senator moves forward. The association noted that the outcome of the trial would form a crucial part of the IGP’s legacy.
“We wish to inform the IGP that how well this case is prosecuted against this senator will inevitably be regarded as a major talking point of his tenure as the chief law enforcement officer of Nigeria,” the group stated.
“We all know that officers of the Nigeria Police Force are often exposed to temptations to compromise when powerful politicians are involved, especially those seeking to regain political power. We are happy that this matter against Senator Elisha Abbo has birthed in the court of law in the nation’s capital.
We, therefore, charge the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development to demonstrate leadership and coordinate a strong monitoring team to ensure justice for the young girl.”
HURIWA urged the ministry to create a functional department dedicated to overseeing court cases involving the sexual abuse of minors by adults, describing such violations as a growing concern.
The group criticised the Ministry of Women Affairs for its perceived inaction in protecting vulnerable children and called for personal involvement in monitoring the case against Senator Abbo.
It stressed that defending the rights of citizens, especially children, must remain a national priority, and called for the establishment of a monitoring body comprising women and children’s rights advocates to ensure the prosecution reaches a logical conclusion.
HURIWA recalled that the Nigeria Police Force had filed multiple criminal charges against Senator Abbo at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on October 30. The charges include rape, sexual molestation and other offences involving a minor.
According to court documents, the alleged offences followed an investigation that produced sufficient evidence “to test the case in court.” The victim, a Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) student, reportedly told investigators that on June 2 she was lured to a residence in Katampe Extension, Abuja, where she was allegedly assaulted by the former senator after he collected her phone and asked her companion to leave the room.
Photo and caption: Senator Abbo
