BHI calls for the promotion of dignity and justice for survivors of SGBV

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Priscilla Usiobafo - Executive Director of BHI

As the world commemorate the 2022 International Human Rights Day, a youth-led feminist non-governmental organization- the BraveHeart Initiative for Youth and Women (BHI) has emphasised the promotion of the dignity, freedom and justice for survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Executive Director of BHI - Ms. Priscilla Usiobaifo. She said the recent judgment passed by the High Court of Justice - Auchi Judicial Division of Edo State few days ago where four perpetrators of Sexual and Gender Based Violence were convicted, was a big win for SGBV survivors in Edo State. She said this has helped increased public confidence in the criminal justice system's ability to sanction SGBV offenders which hitherto was low.

"Justice Philip Imiedembe on Wednesday 7 December 2022 convicted Taiwo Buori, Taofeek Abdullahi Isah, Jeremiah Okamudu and Miracle Pius. Taiwo Buoro (60 years) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for rape of a 12 years old girl at Ososo community. Taofeek Abdullahi Isah (20 years) was sentenced to death for kidnap, attack with harmful substance and unlawful trial by ordeal of a young woman at Okpella community. Jeremiah Okamudu (20 years) and Miracle Pius (19 years) who conspired with Taofeek Abdullahi Isah, were sentenced to 4 years imprisonment and 19 years respectively. Both cases were charged with the Edo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law - Edo VAPPL, and all sentences were without options of fine."

According to the BHI boss, in all the cases, BHI provided interventions; facilitated case transfer to SCIID Benin; facilitated case arrangement and provided comprehensive SGBV services to the survivor and their families thought the trials.

BHI commended the Wife of Edo State governor- Mrs Betsy Obaseki for creating an enabling policy environment for SGBV survivors. She thanked the Commissioner of Justice as well as the State's Chief Judge for strengthening the justice sector in Edo State. 

She also commended Ogbadu Philip Aliyu - a retired Commissioner of Police for ensuring thorough investigation  by the Police in the cases and for facilitating medical service for one of the victims at the Police Cottage Clinic where the survivor was hospitalized for a month. She also acknowledged Mrs. Ronke Ojiekere of SOTHAWACA and Ufuoma of IYO, for their psychosocial support to the survivor during her hospitalization in Benin City.

"My profound gradtitide also goes to Open Society Foundation (OSIWA-OSF) who provided funds BHI expended in both cases", she said.

BraveHeart Initiative for Youth and Women is a youth-led feminist non-governmental organization promoting young people's sexual repeoductive health and advancing  women's rights in Nigeria. The organisation has has facilitated completion of 27 SGBV cases in Court: 24 victories recorded and 3 cases lost.


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