By Abuja, Nigeria
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for alleged sexual violence during the Alue-Do cultural festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu (SAN), condemned the incidents, describing them as “unacceptable and the height of barbarism in the modern world.”
Ojukwu stated that the acts represent a gross violation of the victims’ privacy, dignity, safety, and fundamental human rights. He stressed that no cultural practice should override rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including freedom of movement, non-discrimination, fair hearing, and the dignity of the human person.
He further warned that cultural traditions that promote or tolerate sexual harassment are inconsistent with principles of natural justice, equity, and good conscience, and therefore have no place in a modern democratic society. According to him, such practices must either be urgently reformed to align with constitutional and human rights standards or abolished entirely.
The NHRC boss also emphasized that all cultural festivals must comply with existing laws, including the Anti-Torture Act, 2017 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, which criminalize acts that degrade, abuse, or harm individuals, particularly women and girls.
He added that Nigeria is bound by several international human rights obligations, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Maputo Protocol, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), all of which mandate the protection of women and girls from violence and discrimination.
Ojukwu called for accountability not only for the perpetrators but also for enablers, including festival organizers, traditional authorities, and any accomplices. He stressed that justice must be served to deter future violations and reinforce the rule of law.
The Commission commended the Nigeria Police Force for the prompt arrest of some suspects, but urged authorities to ensure thorough, independent, and transparent investigations, followed by diligent prosecution. Describing the incident as a stain on the nation’s conscience, Ojukwu said it represents a setback in ongoing efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
He also referenced past cases such as that of Ochanya Ogbanje, whose tragic death after prolonged abuse highlighted systemic failures in delivering justice. The NHRC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, particularly women and girls, and pledged to monitor the prosecution process to ensure justice is achieved.
