A former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Ogun State has praised the courts for their strong commitment to justice. Adijat Adeleye made the comments after a major conviction in a child sexual abuse case.
Justice Catherine Ogunsanya sentenced Emmanuel Obirija to life imprisonment last week. He was found guilty of raping a minor in Ijebu Ode.
Obirija's victim reported the assault on December 2, 2022. The case was filed at the State Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu.
Adeleye described the verdict as proof that courts protect vulnerable people. In her statement on Saturday, she called the judgment reassuring for victims seeking justice.
According to the APC candidate for Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency, the ruling gives hope to gender-based violence survivors. She noted that families shouldn't lose confidence in Nigeria's judicial system.
Adeleye praised multiple agencies for their work on the case. Healthcare workers, police officers, prosecutors, social workers, and child advocates all played crucial roles.
She urged survivors to speak out loudly about their experiences. Silence, she warned, only allows abusers to escape punishment and harm more victims.
Her comments come as Ogun State continues efforts to combat sexual violence. Rights groups say such convictions are essential for protecting children in the state.
