HURIWA Demands Chemical Castration for Convicted Rapists

HURIWA Demands Chemical Castration for Convicted Rapists

FELICIA ONAH, Abuja

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has renewed its call for the adoption of chemical castration as punishment for individuals convicted of rape, particularly those found guilty of sexually abusing toddlers and other vulnerable children.

The group made the demand during a media briefing in Abuja on Sunday, where its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, warned that sexual violence against minors is becoming increasingly widespread in Nigeria.

Onwubiko said the call became necessary in view of what he described as disturbing cases of sexual abuse involving young victims across the country.

The rights advocate referenced the recent controversy surrounding an alleged rape involving a teenage girl from Oguta in Imo State, identified as Felicia Ogbonna. The victim had earlier narrated her experience during a programme on Human Rights Radio hosted by activist Ahmed Isah.

According to the account shared during the broadcast, the teenager alleged that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a man identified as Emeka Uyaelumuo, also known as Dallas, while living with him and his family in Lagos where she worked as a domestic help.

She claimed the abuse began in 2021 and continued for some time, alleging that the suspect often took advantage of early morning hours to assault her.

The victim also alleged that when she reported the abuse to the suspect’s wife, who was related to her family, the complaint was dismissed and she was instead subjected to intimidation and physical assault.

According to the account, the teenager eventually managed to escape after saving some money and left the household.

She later reported the incident to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Abuja and was referred to the agency’s Lagos office, though she claimed no concrete action followed at the time.

Reacting to the development, HURIWA insisted that the allegations must be thoroughly investigated and warned against any attempt to silence or intimidate the victim.

“We want decisive justice in this case. The allegation of rape involving a vulnerable young person is a grave criminal matter that demands diligent investigation,” Onwubiko said.

“Any attempt to intimidate the victim or those supporting her will amount to secondary victimisation.”

The rights activist stressed that the renewed public attention on the case should lead to proper investigation and accountability.

“The justice system must protect survivors, not frighten them into silence,” he added.

Onwubiko expressed concern over the increasing number of reported cases involving the sexual abuse of children, some of whom are said to be as young as two or three years old.

He attributed the trend partly to weak institutional responses and the lack of a coordinated national strategy to tackle the menace.

“We are deeply worried that the relevant authorities, particularly the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, have not yet developed a comprehensive strategy to address the rising cases of sexual violations against children,” he said.

The HURIWA coordinator reiterated the organisation’s position that chemical castration should be introduced as a punishment for convicted rapists as a deterrent.

“We believe that rapists who violate toddlers should face chemical castration. This will serve as a strong deterrent and ensure such offenders cannot continue to harm other victims,” he said.

Chemical castration involves the use of medication to suppress sexual drive by reducing or blocking the effects of testosterone, the hormone responsible for male sexual desire.

Onwubiko also called for improved capacity within the Nigeria Police Force to handle rape cases more effectively.

According to him, many survivors face hostility or neglect when attempting to report sexual violence, discouraging victims from pursuing justice.

He emphasised that stronger laws, specialised courts and better-trained investigators are essential to ensure that offenders are prosecuted swiftly while survivors receive adequate protection.