Severe sanctions await those who employ underage house helps – Police issues warning

A warning has been issued by the Federal Government under the leadership of Tinubu and the Nigeria Police Force, cautioning Nigerians about the severe repercussions for those who engage underage house help, mistreat vulnerable individuals, and commit domestic violence.

An Anambra-based lawyer, Adachukwu Okafor, was paraded by the police after being arrested for allegedly assaulting her 10-year-old househelp.

In a statement to reporters, Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized that the government will not tolerate the high rates of child abuse, child labor, maltreatment, assault, and other forms of violence against children.

The Minister emphasized that the Federal government will no longer accept such behavior, and those responsible for inhumane treatment will face harsh consequences.

Kennedy-Ohanenye also mentioned that in addition to enforcing the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, the government plans to introduce new measures to address the growing prevalence of the practice in various regions of the country.

‘’Thank you Mr President for the power given to me to be able to protect the rights of women and children, and I am telling Nigerians no more taking a child under 18 as househelp. We are launching all sorts of measures to protect women and children. As you employ a child under 18 years, the police will not rest and I also will not rest, until we stop all these societal ills and prosecute offenders.”

On his part,  ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), assured thorough investigation and prosecution of such related cases.

The police spokesperson who was represented by CSP Olabisi Okuwobi, the National Coordinator, Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, urged Nigerians to take the warning against employment of underage children as househelps seriously.

‘’This should serve as a note of warning to those who use little children for child labour in the first place. And also a note of warning to those who abuse vulnerable people or young people in our society. The Nigeria Police Force has zero tolerance for domestic violence and abuse of minors and vulnerable persons.”he said.

All the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory have domesticated the Child Rights Act of 2003.