By; FUNMI ADERINTO, Kaduna
Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, on Wednesday, launched a Digital Sexual Offenders Database in its effort to stem the scourge of rape in the state.
Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe launched the digital register at the Ministry of Justice, in an event attended by senior government officials, heads of security agencies in the state and other stakeholders.
Dr Hadiza Balarabe explained that, in September 2020, Governor Nasir el-Rufai signed the State Penal Code (Amended) Law which provides stiffer punishment for rapists and surgical castration for those convicted of raping children under the age of 14.
She said the state is taking further steps by launching the sexual offenders register to name, document and shame sexual offenders to deter others from engaging in the act.
The State Digital Sexual Offenders Database will be linked with the National Sexual Offenders Register domiciled with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffick in Persons (NAPTIP).
However, the launch makes Kaduna the 12th state in the federation to have Sexual Offenders Register that is accessible to the public.
The register generally includes the offender’s name, address, physical appearance, and criminal history.
