The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for decisive justice in a disturbing rape allegation currently attracting public attention, warning that intimidation, diversionary legal tactics and harassment of persons connected to the victim must not be allowed to derail the pursuit of truth.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the civil rights advocacy group expressed deep concern over what it described as an apparent attempt to shift focus from the serious allegation of sexual abuse to other legal disputes involving relatives of the victim.

HURIWA’s reaction, on Sunday, followed the emergence of a charge sheet showing that Njoku Jesse Ifeanyichukwu has been arraigned before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Judicial Division, after being 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 defendant is accused of dishonestly producing a letterhead purportedly belonging to “Excellent International School, Oguta, Imo State” in order to obtain private records relating to the victim’s aunt. Prosecutors allege that the document was falsely presented as one issued with proper authority, an offence punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code.

The second count of the charge states that the defendant allegedly made a false statement on oath in a criminal complaint of forgery filed at Magistrate Court 1, Dutse Alhaji, Abuja, on October 24, 2022, with the intention of misleading the court and influencing judicial opinion.

Reacting to the development, HURIWA said while the courts are competent to determine the allegations concerning the alleged use of forged documents, the case must not be used as a tool to intimidate the rape survivor or discredit those advocating justice for her.

The rights organisation recalled that the alleged victim had publicly narrated her ordeal during an appearance on the popular human rights broadcast Brekete Family, anchored by Ahmed Isah on Human Rights Radio in Abuja.

During the broadcast, the victim reportedly made disturbing disclosures about repeated sexual abuse, alleging that the suspect exploited opportunities in the early hours of the morning. According to the account presented during the programme, the incidents allegedly occurred whenever she went to carry a four-year-old child from the suspect’s room around 5 a.m., during which she said he would sexually assault her.

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

“The allegation of rape, especially involving a vulnerable young person, is a grave criminal matter that demands the highest level of diligence from investigators and the judiciary,” the organisation said.

The group stressed that any effort to intimidate the victim or those associated with her family would amount to a secondary victimisation that undermines the justice system.

HURIWA further urged the Nigeria Police Force, prosecutors and the judiciary to ensure that the central issue (the rape allegation) is investigated professionally and transparently.

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

“The justice system must protect survivors, not frighten them into silence,” HURIWA stated.

The organisation also called on the Nigeria Police Force, child protection agencies and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure the safety and psychological welfare of the victim while the legal process unfolds.

HURIWA concluded by demanding a swift, impartial and victim-centered investigation, insisting that anyone found culpable of sexual abuse must face the full weight of the law.

“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. The 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.