Baba Ijesha: NHRC Advises Police On Handling Rape Victims, Announces Debut Of ‘Speak Up’ TV Series

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reacted to the way some police officers handle issues of rape when brought to them.

NHRC Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, spoke to THE WHISTLER after he addressed a press conference in which he announced a Sexual and Gender Based Violence movie series (Speak Up) done in collaboration with an NGO, Patriotic People’s Foundation, which featured some Nollywood actors.

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Nollywood actress, Monalisa Chinda graced the occasion as well as Chris Ogekalu, director of the movie.

Ojukwu told our correspondent on Tuesday that the way a lady dresses does not give anyone the right to sexually assualt her, adding that the police should be professional and avoid asking a victim such questions because it will further traumatize the victim.

“People feel there is no justice but we are raising awareness around the issues now, we are also training people, officers to understand the way to react and also some of the comments they make. For instance, someone who has been raped… They are asking her why were you wearing a short dress, why did you go to the hotel to meet somebody, why were you going out in the night? You are already been judgemental, these circumstances does not justify why you should rape a girl? It does not make it right. We also need to give them that training to know how to react to a victim who is already psycologically truamatized. You don’t need to worsen the trauma by the way you handle the case. They need to be trained so they can professionallly handle the matter,” he said.

Reacting to the allegations against Nollywood actor, Baba Ijesha ( who was arrested for allegedly raping a minor), he said Nigerians should hold on and wait for the conclusion of the matter in court.

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THE WHISTLER reported that the actor was granted bail by a magistrate but continuation of trial is stalled largely because of the ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

However, Ojukwu said that no matter the reactions, a person is not guilty until he or she has been convicted by a court.

“You know, in this our country at times, it is funny how we look at rights; even an accused person has rights. Baba Ijesha is alleged to have committed an offense, so the law says such a person should be arrested and of course, taking to court. He was arrested but he is also entitled to bail but for most Nigerians, once a person is bailed they start shouting. It does not mean that is the end of the matter, you can come to court from your house, that is your constitutional right. So, the way the case is going on so far is okay. As long as the case will go on in court and he has opportunity to defend himself and those who are alleging against him have the opportunity to prove the allegation against him , that’s what the constitution requires,” he added.

Regarding the movie, Ojukwu said the commission wants to reach people in their language so they can understand issues associated with SGBV.

“One of the greatest instrument of protection is knowleged about your rights. These Nollywood actors are human rights defenders. Each scene will improve the knowledge of our people about the evil associated with SGBV,” he said.

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