Rape accusation: enough with the intimidation, let’s guarantee justice – HURIWA tells the police and the judiciary

[Press Release] The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for decisive justice in a disturbing rape allegation currently drawing public attention, warning that intimidation, diversionary legal tactics and harassment of people connected to the victim must not derail the search for the truth.

In a statement released in Abuja, the civil rights advocacy group expressed deep concern over what it described as an apparent attempt to shift attention from serious allegations of sexual abuse to other legal disputes involving the victim’s relatives.

HURIWA’s reaction followed the emergence of a charge sheet showing that Njoku Jesse Ifeanyichukwu was arraigned before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Judicial Division, Abuja, after he was accused by the police of allegedly using forged documents to obtain confidential academic and employment records belonging to the aunt of the alleged rape survivor.

According to the charge sheet reviewed by the rights group, the accused is accused of dishonestly producing a letterhead purportedly belonging to “Excellent International School, Oguta, Imo State” in order to obtain private documents relating to the victim’s aunt. The prosecution alleges that the document was falsely presented as having been issued with special authority, an offense punishable under section 364 of the Penal Code.

The second charge alleges that the accused allegedly made a false statement under oath in a criminal complaint of forgery filed at the Magistrate Court 1, Dutse Alhaji, Abuja, on October 24, 2022, with intent to mislead the court and influence judicial opinion.

Reacting to this development, HURIWA said that although the courts have jurisdiction to determine charges regarding the alleged use of forged documents, the case should not be used as a tool to intimidate the rape survivor or discredit those advocating justice for her.

The human rights organization recalled that the alleged victim had publicly narrated her story during an appearance on the popular human rights show Brekete Family, hosted by Ahmed Isah on Human Rights Radio in Abuja.

During the broadcast, the victim allegedly made disturbing revelations about repeated sexual abuse, claiming that the suspect exploited opportunities in the early hours of the morning. According to the story presented during the programme, the incidents allegedly occurred whenever she went to carry a four-year-old child from the suspect’s room at around 5am, during which she allegedly said he sexually assaulted her.

HURIWA said the testimony given by the victim raises serious concerns that must be thoroughly investigated by law enforcement without prejudice or delay.

“An allegation of rape, particularly one involving a vulnerable young person, is a serious criminal matter that requires the highest level of diligence on the part of investigators and the judiciary,” the organization said.

The group stressed that any attempt to intimidate the victim or those associated with his or her family would amount to secondary victimization that undermines the justice system.

HURIWA also urged the Nigeria Police Force, prosecutors and the judiciary to ensure that the central matter (the rape allegation) is investigated in a professional and transparent manner.

According to the group, Nigeria has witnessed too many cases in which survivors of sexual violence face social pressure, intimidation or legal harassment that discourages them from pursuing justice.

“The justice system must protect survivors, not scare them into silence,” HURIWA said.

The organization also called on the Nigeria Police Force, child protection agencies and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure the safety and psychological well-being of the victim during the course of the legal process.

HURIWA concluded by calling for a swift, impartial and victim-centred investigation, insisting that anyone found guilty of sexual abuse must face the full weight of the law.

“Justice must not only be done, but seen to be done. Nigerian authorities must send a clear message that sexual violence will not be tolerated and that survivors will be protected rather than persecuted,” the group said.

*Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko*
National coordinator,
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
Sunday 8 March 2026

Related