The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has refuted the allegations made by Jamila Sidi Sirajo in a viral video, where she claimed the Agency failed to act on her domestic abuse complaint.
NAPTIP in a statement issued by Adekoye Vincent, NAPTIP’s Communication Officer, Adekoye Vincent, described these claims as shocking and utterly unfounded.
Adekoye explained that Jamila Sidi Sirajo had initially reported a case of spousal battery and abandonment against her estranged husband, Mohammed Tafida, on September 30, 2020.
He said despite NAPTIP initiating an investigation, Sirajo withdrew her petition on October 12, 2020, following advice from family and friends to resolve the matter privately.
Adekoye added that however, on November 9, 2020, she requested the Agency to reopen her case, which NAPTIP promptly did.
He stated that upon concluding the investigation, NAPTIP filed a two-count charge against Mohammed Tafida at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on July 8, 2021 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Mohammed Tafida, Charge No: CR/226/2021).
According to him,the arraignment, scheduled for November 9, 2021, was postponed due to the defendant’s absence, leading to multiple adjournments and the issuance of a bench warrant.
He said the case was further adjourned to February 24, 2022.
Adekoye said at the resumed hearing, the defendant was still absent but was represented by counsel who filed processes to set aside the bench warrant.
He explained further that on March 14, 2022, the court set aside the bench warrant and ordered NAPTIP to serve the defendant with summons and other court processes.
He lamented that despite NAPTIP’s extensive efforts, including seeking cooperation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the defendant’s whereabouts remained unknown until it was discovered he had been posted to Pakistan as a diplomat.
He said the Agency applied for substituted service, which was granted on October 5, 2022, to serve court processes at the defendant’s last known address and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He added that the defendant’s counsel repeatedly challenged the court’s jurisdiction and alleged bias, but these challenges were dismissed after thorough consideration.
Additionally, the defendant’s counsel petitioned the Agency to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, alleging victimisation and persecution.
NAPTIP has maintained unwavering diligence in prosecuting the case, despite unfounded accusations from Jamila Sidi Sirajo.
“ The officer originally prosecuting the matter requested to withdraw due to these allegations, leading to the case being transferred to another officer.
“NAPTIP will not be swayed by attempts to undermine its mission through baseless allegations.
“The Agency remains steadfast in upholding the law and ensuring justice for all victims of sexual and domestic violence in the Federal Capital Territory,” said NAPTIP’s Communication Officer.
Adekoya said the Agency calls on all stakeholders to support its efforts in ensuring justice is served.
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