Kaduna Launches Digital Sexual Offenders Database

Kaduna State government has launched a Digital Sexual Offenders Database in its effort to stem the scourge of rape in the state.

The deputy governor, Dr Hadiza 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.

In her remarks, Balarabe said 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 deputy governor added that the State Digital Sexual Offenders Database will be linked with the National Sexual Offenders Register domiciled with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Kaduna State government noted that the launch makes Kaduna the 12th States 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.