37 rape suspects arrested in Adamawa

Commissioner of Police in Adamawa, Mr Audu Madaki, on Tuesday said no fewer than 37 rape suspects have been arrested by the command in the past five months.

According to him, 33 of the suspects were undergoing prosecution, while the remaining four were under investigation.

He commended the public for opening up on the issue of rape and assured that the command would continue to do its best in bringing suspects to justice.

Commenting on the development, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Rape in Adamawa lauded the police effort but decried the slow pace in trial in the state.

Convener of the coalition, Hajiya Asmau Joda, urged for the actualisation of the proposed Special Court for the trial of rape-related cases promised by the state government.

Joda said the court when established would help in addressing the issue of delay and encourage survivors of rape and other sexual assaults to seek redress.

Also speaking, a member of the coalition, Mr Yusuf Amos, advocated for the speedy setting up of the special court, adding that the lingering of many rape cases in various courts in the state without conviction was disturbing.

He said, “The need for special courts is expedient; we need special court with dedicated judge to dispense justice within a stipulated time.”