In an effort to reduce acts of violence against individuals, the Niger State Branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has urged the Niger State Police Command to strictly implement the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
During an advocacy visit to the State Police Headquarters in Minna, FIDA Chairperson Mrs. Bolanle Jibogun made the request while meeting with Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman.
The adopted VAPP Law should be used to prosecute incidences of gender-based violence (GBV), according to Mrs. Jibogun.
She made it clear that protecting victims of gender-based violence is one of FIDA’s top goals. We are calling for the VAPP Act to be used more frequently in combating GBV because these crimes are not effectively dealt with in the Penal Code.
The removal of a wife from her house, physical abuse, and the removal of a kid from school were among the typical but frequently disregarded legal violations that she listed.
The chairperson of FIDA also emphasized the need for police to educate themselves on the terms of the VAPP Law, emphasizing that it protects everyone, not just women and children.
The group was reassured by CP Elleman that the police command would enforce the law. He ordered all relevant Area Commanders and DPOs to bring charges under the VAPP Law.
The usefulness of the VAPP Law in improving legal outcomes in such situations was acknowledged by the Commissioner, who also praised FIDA’s assistance in eradicating GBV.