Joyce Onwuka
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has refuted what it described as false allegations made by Jamila Sidi Sirajo in her viral video, claiming that the Agency did nothing regarding her complaint of domestic abuse.
The Agency describes the claims as shocking and utterly unfounded.
To strengthen the records the NAPTIP, recalled that on September 30, 2020, Jamila Sidi Sirajo reported a case of spousal battery and abandonment against her estranged husband, Mohammed Tafida.
Despite the commencement of investigations, she withdrew her petition on October 12, 2020, citing advice from family and friends to resolve the matter privately.
In a twist of events, on November 9, 2020, Jamila requested the Agency to reopen her case, which NAPTIP promptly did, recommencing the investigation. Upon conclusion of the investigation, a two-count charge was filed against Mohammed Tafida at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, dated July 8, 2021 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Mohammed Tafida, Charge No: CR/226/2021). The Charge is presently pending before Hon. Justice Abubakar Baba Shani sitting at Court 30 Apo, Abuja.
The arraignment scheduled for November 9, 2021, was stalled due to the defendant’s absence, leading to multiple adjournments and the eventual issuance of a bench warrant. The matter was further adjourned to the 24th February 2022.
At the resumed hearing, the defendant who was still absent from the proceedings was represented by Counsel who filed processes to set aside the bench warrant against him.
In a considered ruling delivered on the 14th March, 2022, the court set aside the bench warrant and ordered the prosecution(NAPTIP) to serve the Defendant with a summons and all other Court processes.
Despite extensive efforts, including seeking cooperation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other entities, the defendant’s whereabouts remained unknown until it was discovered he had been posted to Pakistan as a diplomat.
The Agency was further compelled to apply for substituted service, granted on October 5, 2022, to serve court processes at the defendant’s last known address and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, being his office.
The Baliff of the court effected service by substituted means as ordered by the Court.
The defendant’s counsel repeatedly challenged the court’s jurisdiction and alleged bias, both of which were dismissed by the court after thorough consideration of the prosecution’s counter affidavit.
The defendant’s counsel also petitioned the Agency to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice alleging victimization and persecution of the defendant.
The Agency notes that it has demonstrated unwavering diligence in prosecuting the case, countering unfounded accusations from Jamila Sidi Sirajo.
Despite the overbearing conduct and unjustified imputations of compromise by the complainant on several occasions, NAPTIP’s officers have maintained professional integrity and commitment to justice.
The officer originally prosecuting the matter had to request to withdraw from the case due to all the unfounded allegation by Jamila Sidi Sirajo and the case was transferred to another officer to prosecute.
The NAPTIP said it will not be swayed by attempts to undermine its mission through baseless allegations by Jamila Sidi Sirajo.
The Agency said it remains steadfast in upholding the law and ensuring justice for all victims of sexual and domestic violence in the Federal Capital Territory and called on all stakeholders to support its efforts and ensuring justice is served.