NHRC Boss Demands Prosecution Over Sexual Violence at Ozoro Cultural Festival
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), has called for the immediate prosecution of perpetrators involved in reported cases of sexual violence against women and girls during the Alue-Do Cultural Festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
Condemning the incident, Ojukwu described it as “unacceptable and the height of barbarism in the modern world.”
He urged law enforcement authorities to ensure the arrest and diligent prosecution of all those involved, stressing that the acts constitute a gross violation of the victims’ privacy, dignity, safety, and fundamental human rights.
According to him, no cultural practice should be allowed to undermine the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including the rights to dignity of the human person, freedom of movement, non-discrimination, and fair hearing.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria further emphasized that any cultural practice that promotes or tolerates sexual harassment is contrary to natural justice, equity, and good conscience, and is therefore unacceptable in a modern democratic society.
He noted that such practices must be urgently reformed to align with constitutional provisions and human rights standards or be completely abolished.
Ojukwu also stressed that cultural festivals and traditional practices must be conducted in strict compliance with existing laws, including the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, both of which prohibit acts that degrade, abuse, or harm individuals—particularly women and girls.
He added that Nigeria, as a responsible member of the international community, is bound by regional and international human rights instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Maputo Protocol, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), all of which mandate the protection of women and girls from violence and discrimination.
The human rights advocate reiterated the need to hold not only the direct perpetrators accountable but also enablers, including festival organizers, traditional authorities, and any accomplices. He stressed that accountability is essential to serve as a deterrent and to reinforce the rule of law.
The NHRC commended the Nigeria Police Force for the prompt arrest of some suspects in connection with the incident but urged that investigations be thorough, independent, and transparent, with diligent prosecution to ensure justice for the victims.
Ojukwu described the incident as a stain on the nation’s conscience and a setback in ongoing efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
He further recalled tragic cases such as that of Ochanya Ogbanje in Benue State, who died following prolonged sexual abuse, noting that such incidents highlight the persistent challenge of accountability and the urgent need for systemic reforms.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of all persons, particularly women and girls, and called on authorities, community leaders, and stakeholders to take proactive measures to prevent a recurrence.
It added that it will continue to monitor the prosecution process to ensure justice is served.
