Police vow to prosecute gender-based violence, others in Imo

Imo State Police Commissioner, CP Aboki Danjuma, has said that the Command under his watch would adopt the state Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP law) 2021 as a legal framework for prosecution of all forms of gender-based crimes, including rape, child abuse, and sexual harassment.

Danjuma, who was represented by his deputy, in-charge of the State Intelligence Department, SID, Fana Serajo Muhammed stated this at a one-day sensitization training of the Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Gender Unit Officers of the state command on the VAPP Law organized by a civil society organization; Alliances for Africa (AFA) in partnership with Co-Impact, held in Owerri, weekend.

Danjuma noted that, “Imo VAPP Law is a critical law that affects the safety, dignity, and well-being of many in the society”, added that the training would strengthen the Police officer’s collective resolve in addressing gender-based violence.

“VAPP law is a landmark legal framework that offers comprehensive protection for victims of various forms of violence, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. It is a law that champions justice, accountability, and the dignity of every individual, particularly the most vulnerable in our communities.

“Understanding this law is not only for legal practitioners, law enforcement officers, and service providers but also for the broader society to ensure that its provisions are effectively implemented and that survivors of violence receive the support they deserve.”

In her remarks, the Imo VAPP Law Sponsor and former member of the Imo State House of Assembly, Amb. Uju Onwudiwe, stressed that the law has no gender discrimination as was earlier misconstrued across the state, noting that the law was enacted to get justice for survivors and serve as a deterrent to offenders.

Onwudiwe lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma, for signing the law while commending AFA and Imo Commissioner of Police for their contributions towards ensuring the integration, implementation, and enforcement of the law.

Also, the training facilitator, Barr. Calistus Ihejiagwa called on the Police to eschew sentiments and always put on a human face when handling cases of gender-based violence and related crimes.

Ihejiagwa emphasized that “VAPP law has made trial less cumbersome for GBV cases among others as it creates room for precise enforcement of the VAPP Law other than using related criminal codes.”

Earlier, AfA Executive Director, Ms. Iheoma Obibi, represented by Director of Programmes, Ms. Blessing Duru, said the Imo VAPP law is holistic and comprehensive enough to help the Police curb all violence against all persons, especially women and girls.

Obibi stressed that the Police is the only agency assigned in the VAPP law to prosecute GBV cases, “hence the significance of this training is to strengthen the capacity of key Police officers by equipping them with in-depth knowledge and understanding of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), to effectively address, investigate and prosecute GBV cases including sexual harassment”.

She added that the training would also help “to develop and implement strategies within the Police Force to improve the support and protection of victims, with a focus on enhancing reporting mechanisms and creating a more survivor-centered approach.”