PDCRC Conducts Advocacy Visit to Army Day Secondary School, Lokoja, on Violence against Persons Prohibition Law

The Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens' Rights Commission (PDCRC) paid an advocacy visit to Army Day Secondary School, Lokoja, to enlighten students and staff about the Commission's role respecting the Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2022.

 The visit aimed at creating awareness about the promotion and protection of human rights and the legal consequences of violence against individuals.

The PDCRC delegation was warmly welcomed by the School Principal, and Chief Chairman of the school, Mr. Solano  Moses. The school management expressed gratitude for the visit and allowed the Commission to address the students, teachers and other staff.Opening the session, the Director General of PDCRC, Hon. Idris Esq., stated the purpose of the visit while thanking the principal, staff, and students for their attention. 

He explained that the Commission was established by the government to provide legal aid to the vulnerable and indigent residents of Kogi State who cannot afford legal representation. 

He added that twelve lawyers from the Ministry of Justice have been assigned to handle such cases. The DG also highlighted that the Commission uses Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), medium to resolve cases with enforcement of the VAPP Law, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to justice and human rights protection.
Following his address, the DG invited his colleagues to further educate the audience.Introducing the VAPP LawHead of the ADR Unit, Hibat Umar Esq., introduced the VAPP Law, highlighting its key provisions, including the prohibition of rape, coercion, inflicting injuries, and forceful ejection from homes, isolation from family and friends, and harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation. She explained the penalties associated with these offenses.

 Female genital mutilation attracts ₦500,000 fine or 7 years imprisonment. Forceful ejection from home carries ₦200,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment. Abandonment of spouse results in ₦300,000 fine or 3 years imprisonment. 

Harmful traditional practices are punishable by ₦200,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment. Stalking leads to  ₦100,000 fine or 1 year imprisonment. 

An attack with harmful substances is punishable by 25 years imprisonment with no option of fine.Hibat Umar encouraged students to speak up if they or someone they know is experiencing any form of violence, assuring them of PDCRC's support and confidentiality.

 She also advised them to maintain good behavior and focus on their academic pursuits.Purpose and Enforcement of the VAPP LawDeputy Director in charge of Criminal Litigation, Emmanuel Ibenu Esq., emphasized that the VAPP Law aims to prohibit and eliminate violence against individuals, whether in private or public settings provide maximum protection for victims under the law, provide effective remedies and prescribe appropriate remedies for offenders. 

He explained the provision of protection orders under the law and noted that the Commission has two protection officers who handle such cases. He encouraged students to report incidents of violence, including spousal battery, regardless of the victim's gender.

Ibenu further stated that the VAPP Law ensures a free and safe society where we all can dwell, without the fear of being attacked by anyone, urging students to maintain respectful relationships and feel confident to report any case of violence.

Access to Legal Aid and Contact InformationSenior Legal Officer and Legal Assistant to the DG, Ameh Friday Esq., reiterated the importance of information as a tool for empowerment.

 He provided the Commission’s contact details for reporting cases. The office is located at the State Secretariat-New Complex Lokoja, Zone 8, Room 12-16, specifically Rooms 13 and 14. The contact number for the office is 09164890877.

The School Principal, Mr. Solano Hahaha Moses, expressed appreciation to the PDCRC team for the visit. He pledged to collaborate with the Commission to protect the rights of students and staff.

The event concluded with the Director General presenting copies of the VAPP Law to the school, symbolizing PDCRC's commitment to promoting awareness and ensuring justice in Kogi State.   

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