A human rights organization, the African Child Development and Human Right Protection, has called on the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, M.r Auwal Mohammed, to re-arrest a Deputy Superintendent of immigration for allege rape.
The suspect, Sani Sale Muazu, was arrested by the police for allegedly raping the victim, a housewife and mother of two, Lubabatu Yusuf.
The suspect was released on bail, a development that did not go down well with the family of the victim who approached the organisation to seek redress.
Dissatisfied with the release of the suspect, the Founder of African Child Development and Human Right Protection, Alkassim Muhammad Esq, wrote a petition letter to the Commissioner of Police dated December 22, 2023, on behalf of the victim.
In the petition, the legal practitioner urged the Commissioner of Police to order for the re-arrest of the suspect, saying rape is a serious offence that should not be treated with levity.
In the latter entitled PETITION AGAINST SANI SALE MU’AZU, DEPUTY SUPERITENDENT OF IMMGRATION FOR INTICING, and RAPING ONE LUBABATU YUSUF: URGENT NEED FOR THE RE-ARREST OF THE SUSPECT, the victim is appealing for justice.
“While we rejoice and join hands with you in the enforcement of laws and combating crime in Bauchi State, it is with most respect to draw your attention to the encapsulated subject matter and strength of the complaint of the victim to our organization,” the letter, which read in part, stated.
“Sir, let me begin by providing the identity of the above named suspect and his positions.
“Sani Sale Mua’zu, is a Deputy Superintendent of Nigeria Immigration Service with the Bauchi Command.
“Sir, it is worthy to further provide the identity of the victim of the alleged rape case before you for investigation.
“The victim Lubabatu Yusuf is young female of 20 years of age, mother of two (2) male children and resident of Giwo along kano road Bauchi and, citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”
The letter recalled that on December, 12, 2023, the victim through her solicitor petitioned the suspect to the Commissioner of Police office for alleged offences of enticing a married woman and rape contrary to sections 384,237 & 278 of the Bauchi State Penal Code, 2022.
Alkassim said the petition was directed by the Commissioner of Police to the gender section of the Nigerian Police in Bauchi for investigation.
“The investigation section in their effort apprehended the suspected rapist on December, 17, 2023 in his residence in Bauchi which commendable,” he noted
“Sir, rape cases have become prevalent in our societies and has caused serious damages to young girls, families and institutions.
“It is without any doubt that the attention of the Government, institutions, civil society organization and the International community have prioritized fighting the menace. There are good State, Federal and International codified legislations that mett punishment for offences of rape having received condemnations in various platforms.
“Sir, the magnitude of the alleged offence required thorough investigation and scrutiny.
“To the victim dismay and less than 72 hour the suspect have used his influence through one traditional title holder to secure his bail and same having been granted to him without completing investigation.
“The identity of the said traditional title holder will be expose in our subsequent follow up. The nagging question is that if suspected criminals are released on a platter of gold despite weighty accusations, then victims are likely to resort to self-help and lawlessness. It will interest you to know that the victim has no relations in Bauchi except her husband and two children.
“Sir, effect of the suspect released without completing investigation is that facts in issue are likely to be tempered and destroyed”
The human rights organization is seeking the CP to order for the re-arrest of the suspect and initiate necessary prosecution.
“Kindly caution the investigation team to handle this case with extra care and professionalism,” he advised
“Sir, we urge you to dispense justice with justice. We condemned all act of crime and rape. Sir, we urge you to take the appropriate action and let justice prevail”
The petition letter is copied to the Human Right Commission, Public Complaint Commission, The Comptroller General Nigerian Immigration Service, Abuja, the Chairman Bauchi Emirate Council and the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) Bauchi State.
When contacted on phone, the Immigration officer declined to comment on the allegation against him saying the issue is being investigated.
The Police Public Relations Mohammed Wakil, a Superintendent of Police, could not confirm whether the CP had received the Petition Letter at the time of filing this story after a visit to his office and several phone calls.
Credit: TheSun
