By NASIR MALALI; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs- NSCIA has appealed to the authorities concern to facilitate speedy prosecution of child traffickers and gender based violence offenders to help reduce the menace.
Sultan, who made the appeal in Sokoto during the 20th Year Anniversary celebration of the National Agency For The Prohibition Of Trafficking In Persons NAPTIP Sokoto Zonal Command, added that delay in justice delivery gives perpetrators impetus to continue their unacceptable acts.
Represented by the District Head Sarkin Yakin Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabi, the Sultan insisted that parental responsibility must be encouraged and adhered to inspite of whatever condition.
In his goodwill message, the Sokoto State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency -NDLEA, Mustapha Gidado appealed to NAPTIP to help sanitise Sokoto by ensuring adequate application of the Child Rights Acts through prosecution of parents that allow their wards to roam the streets begging in the guise of Almajiri.
Responding to why justice seems delayed in the eyes of many, Sokoto State Chief Judge, Justice Mohammed Saidu Sifawa represented by the State Chief Registrar Aliyu Jafar Mohammed said lots of factors are responsible for what some sees as time taken.
According to the legal luminary, justice rushed sometimes could lead to justice flushed, hence the law requires that fair hearing must be given to all accused persons, in addition to delays from filing, investigation, and other legal processes that must be diligently followed.
The State Chief Judge further added that, NAPTIP is a dependable stakeholder in the administration of justice.
In her response, the Director General, of NAPTIP, Hajiya Binta Lami Bello represented by Misbau Iya Kaura affirmed that NAPTIP has investigated and secured several convictions on trafficking related offences which serves as a strong deterrent to others.
While noting that collaboration with sister security agencies, traditional institutions, religious and community leaders as well as stakeholders, development partners and social and civil society organizations has helped greatly in the areas of intelligence sharing, victim support mechanism and coordinated response to trafficking trend within the Sokoto Zonal Command,
The DG appealed to Sokoto State government to set up Task Force Against Human Trafficking considering the fact that the State is often used as exit route.
The event with the theme, ’20 Years of Integrity, Commitment and Justice: Strengthening Partnership Against Human Trafficking and Violence Against Persons”, had in attendance prominent stakeholders from across all walks of life.
