The Government of Ekiti State has commenced the public naming-and-shaming of convicted sex offenders in the State.
The attorney-general of the state, Olawale Fapohunda had earlier in 2019 issued a statement on practical measures aimed at curbing sexual violence in the State.
“The [Ekiti] state government is concerned about the frequency of reported cases of sexual violence. It has therefore become necessary to put in place proactive measures to halt this trend,” Mr. Fapohunda said.
“One of these measures include public notification of the status of convicted sex offenders by showing their photographs on Ekiti State Broadcasting Service and announcing their names on Radio Stations in the state.”
According to a statement issued by the office of Attorney- General, Ministry of Justice Ekiti State, Friday, August 16, 2019, “The Ministry of Justice has today began the publication of the names and photographs of convicted sex offenders in the State.”
The statement continued, “We are commencing with a Public Notice on the status of Reverend Asateru Gabriel, a former Anglican priest who was convicted for the Sexual Abuse of a seven year old girl.
“Reverend Gabriel is currently serving a five year prison sentence in Federal Prisons Ado Ekiti. This publication is in furtherance of the Fayemi administration’s zero tolerance policy for all forms of violence against Women and Children.”
Other additional measures to curb Sexual Violence in the State as announced by Fapohunda include:
i. Pasting the Photographs of convicted sex offenders in prominent public spaces in their communities and their Local Government Headquarters;
ii. Issuing an advisory to the traditional ruler of the sex offender’s community on the status of the offender;
iii. Uploading the Sex Offenders photograph on the website of the Ministry of Justice.
iv. Compulsory psychiatric tests for all Persons of whom the Director of Public Prosecution (D.P.P) has issued ‘a case to answer’ legal opinion for the offence of Child defilement.
