RAPE

One of the most common crimes in our society in recent time is rape, it baffles me how innocent victims are assaulted sexually on daily basis either by their minders, older cousins, ’uncles’ at times teachers in schools. The one that got my attention recently is that of the innocent girl Janet, that was raped in Bayelsa state, Nigeria and later committed suicide, do we fold our arms and watch innocent girls and women ripped off their self esteem.

Rape is evil and we must do all we could to stop it.

What does our criminal justice system say about rape? What is rape itself? Section 357 of the criminal code law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of  a woman, girl against her will, without her consent, where the victim’s consent is obtained under the fear of death or whether the consent is given under intoxication or unsound mind shall be guilty of an offence of rape.

 

An offence of rape is complete upon penetration of male sexual organ against a woman.

Proving rape is really a challenge both legally and personally, but the best a victim of rape can do is to head straight to the hospital and call the police at the earliest possible time, that is prompt medical attention following sexual assault is important and it will help in proving rape. The evidence of the victim of rape is enough to convict the accused.

Can a woman be guilty of rape against man in Nigeria?                                             

The law does not contemplate that a female has the capacity to rape a male because an offence of rape exists when there’s penetration of male organ into the female organ, by this definition ,one will understand that it is only man that can commit rape not woman.

It is sad and most unfortunate that ladies and girls cannot be convicted of rape in Nigeria.

Can husband be guilty of rape against his legal wife?

Yes , anytime someone forces himself on you sexually without your consent, it is sexual assault or rape, this is not common because women are too shy to report cases of sexual assault or rape by their husband, this occur mostly as a result of domestic violence.

As a woman it is worthy to know that it’s your right to say NO despite being married, when this result to force then such partner is either assaulting you sexually or raping you.

Why do victims of Rape keep quiet?

Stigmatization, the fear of losing the case ,fear of being attacked or killed and so on It is important for everyone be it man or woman to seek legal advice when need arise because what is the essence of your right that you know and you don’t enforce it.

Oyenike Alliyu-Adebiyi Llb(hons)BL