Sokoto Gov Opens Investigation Into The Abduction Of 14 Yr-Old Patience Paul In Sokoto

The Sokoto State government on Thursday 3rd of March ordered an investigation into an alleged abduction and forced marriage of a 14-year-old girl, Patience Paul, in Sokoto State.

A statement by Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s spokesman, Imam Imam, said the governor had ordered the state Human Rights Commission and other agencies to investigate the matter immediately.

“Gov Aminu Waziri Tambuwal directed the state Human Rights Commission to undertake a thorough investigation into the allegations and report same to the government.

“In the interim, the Human Rights Commission was asked to present an interim report and update the public with all information as it becomes available,” Mr. Imam said.

Reports say the teenage girl, Paul, was abducted and kept at the palace of the Sultan of Sokoto.

“In the first 24 hours, the state Human Rights Commission has contacted the Sultanate Council and the State Police Command for a briefing.

“The state Human Rights Commission has also spoken to the State Hisbah Commission, as well as the person whose phone number was given in the initial allegation made online.

“Despite efforts, however, the state Human Rights Commission has been unable to contact the family of Patience Paul or anyone who will shed more light on the allegations,” Mr. Imam said.

The state Human Rights Commission has opened a public plea urging Ms. Paul’s family or representatives to contact it for a detailed briefing.
“Other institutions to be contacted are Citizens Rights Dept, Attorney General’s Chambers, Ministry of Justice, Sokoto on 08035903799.

“Agencies to be contacted: The Nigeria Police, Sokoto State Police Command Headquarters, Sokoto or state Human Rights Commission [email protected] and 07066666618, 08158582828.

“Other agencies to be contacted are office of Media and Public Affairs, Governor’s Office, Sokoto on 07037072938, [email protected].”