Kaduna Stakeholders Demand Improved Investigation of Sexual Violence Cases
The Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, has raised concerns over weak investigation and prosecution of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases in Kaduna State, warning that poor coordination among institutions and inadequate support for survivors are undermining efforts to combat abuse. He spoke on Wednesday at the opening of a two-day policy dialogue in Kaduna focused on bridging gaps in the implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law. Represented by the foundation’s Senior Finance and Administration Manager, Justina Johnson, Maduoma said the existence of protective laws would not guarantee justice unless survivors could safely report abuse, access protection and receive timely responses from relevant institutions. He identified inadequate public awareness, weak investigations and prosecutions, insufficient survivor-centred services and limited resources as major challenges. The dialogue brought together representatives of government ministries, Kaduna State University, the National Human Rights Commission, the CLEEN Foundation and other organisations to assess implementation gaps and develop practical recommendations. Participants also expressed concern over allegations of sexual and gender-based abuse involving some religious leaders, warning that the misuse of spiritual authority could expose women, girls and children to exploitation and psychological harm.
Stakeholders discussed allegations that some women seeking spiritual guidance over marital and personal difficulties had been manipulated by religious leaders, including claims that some were encouraged to leave their marriages or enter other relationships. They also raised a disturbing allegation involving a child who was reportedly raped after being sent to deliver food to a religious leader. According to a stakeholder at the dialogue, the alleged perpetrator claimed the child had a disease and that the assault was intended to remove it. The allegations were cited as reasons for stronger safeguards to protect children and other vulnerable people, although they were not presented as established findings. Participants called on the Kaduna State Government to strengthen enforcement of the VAPP Law and ensure that sexual offence allegations were promptly investigated and prosecuted where supported by evidence. They also urged closer cooperation among law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, government institutions, religious organisations and civil society groups. Maduoma encouraged participants to develop practical recommendations that would improve institutional accountability and translate legal protections into meaningful support for survivors. The CLEEN Foundation acknowledged the support of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, saying the partnership had created opportunities for policy engagement and efforts to strengthen accountable justice and security institutions in Nigeria.
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