The federal government says legal action will be taken against a couple, Ifeanyi and Christabel Ewuru, in Enugu over alleged molestation and neglect of their eight-year-old daughter.

Women affairs minister Uju Ohanenye said this while addressing the journalists in Abuja.

According to her, the ministry will take legal action against the couple to ensure the survivor gets justice and serve as a deterrent to others who might want to tow the same line.

Ms Ohanenye expressed deep concern over incessant sexual and gender-based violence, harmful traditional practices, and other forms of abuse against women, children and the vulnerable.

“This eight-year-old girl has been molested severally by her stepfather, who has given her diseases and broken her walls, which has been confirmed in the hospital, also by the lawyer and mother of this girl. The matter was taken to court, but unfortunately, the magistrate released this man on bail.

“We want to know why he was released despite the allegations against him simply because the woman cried that she didn’t want her husband to be jailed. What about the voiceless girl? What about the torture, emotional pains the girl went through and threat not to disclose the molestation?” the minister explained.

She added, “We are suing the woman for negligence. Because if she was not negligent, this girl would not have suffered this thing for a long time. And this woman had the guts to defend the man who did this to your daughter simply because you want to keep the marriage or what, I don’t know.

“We are suing the man on behalf of the young girl to make sure he pays for his sin. The rule of law must prevail, The truth must prevail. Justice must be done on behalf of this young girl.”

According to Ms Ohanenye, the establishment of mobile courts will hasten the prosecution of SGBV and other harmful practices against women and children and ensure survivors get justice.

“These are things that will make this girl feel better, and this will not affect her in future as it should have done if she sees for sure that actions were being taken. No more room for these things in this country. No more business as usual. You commit a crime; you go in for it.

“That is why we are still pleading to our president, attorney general and the chief judges in states to quickly approve the establishment of mobile courts so that it will enable us to accelerate matters concerning women’s affairs and quickly defend them,” said the minister.

(NAN)