The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has stopped the planned marriage of a 40-year-old man to a 13-year-old primary five girl in Abuja
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has risen to the rescue of a 13-year old girl who was on the verge of being married off the a 40-year old man, Mr Ibrahim in Abuja. The little girl happens to be a primary 5 pupil of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) Primary School in Abuja.
The marriage preparation came to a termination by the NHRC following an intelligence report. All the parties involved were invited for questioning while the 13-year old girl was taken away from the man's house.
After interrogation, the commission cited relevant laws to back its decision to stop the marriage including sections 21, 22, 23 of the Child Rights Act 2003 which prohibits child marriage or betrothal and also punishes the offence with five years imprisonment or an option of N500,000 fine.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Professor Bem Angwe, while further referring the matter to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command for prosecution, also expressed the determination of the commission to ensure the implementation of the Child Rights Act and its enforcement against all persons irrespective of their status or religious belief.
Parents and the general public have been urged to desist from child marriage as it is a grave crime against the law as it entails psychological, social and health implications.