Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has praised the 21-year prison sentence handed to Ahmadu Yaro for raping a three-month-old infant in Adogi village, Nasarawa State.

The sentence, delivered by Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu,
according to her marks a watershed moment in Nigeria’s fight to protect children from sexual violence.

She described the ruling as both courageous and vital in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society. She applauded Justice Bashir-Aliyu’s leadership and the institutional commitment shown by Nasarawa State Attorney General Isaac Danladi, who led the prosecution team at the trial. The Attorney General’s presence underscored the seriousness with which the state addresses sexual and gender-based violence.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also commended Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for fostering an enabling environment where justice can be delivered effectively. She said the verdict sends a strong message that impunity will no longer be tolerated in Nasarawa State.

Emphasizing the enforcement of the Child Rights Act (CRA) across Nigeria’s 36 states, the minister reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to holding offenders accountable and providing support to survivors. Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, she vowed that violence against children and women will be met with visible, survivor-focused, and unrelenting justice.

Calling on other states to emulate Nasarawa’s example, the Minister urged families, communities, law enforcement, and the judiciary to collaborate in building a safer Nigeria for all children. “Let this ruling serve as a turning point — a signal to all offenders that Nigeria will no longer shield those who violate her children,” she concluded.

The Sun Nigeria