But for the timely intervention of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, the planned marriage between a 40-year-old man and 13-year-old primary 5 pupil of POWA Primary School, Abuja, would have taken place on Friday.
The marriage, which was billed to take place on July 24 in Abuja, was halted by the Commission after an investigation. According to a statement by the Chief Press Officer of the Commission, the planned wedding ceremony was interrupted and the minor retrieved from her husband-to-be’s house following a tip-off.
The statement further stated that all parties involved in the planned unlawful marriage have been invited to the Commission including the groom to be, one Mr. Ibrahim, who had full knowledge that the girl was less than 18 years of age as prescribed by Law.
After thorough interrogations, the Commission cited the relevant laws to back its decision to stop the marriage, including Sections 21, 22, 23 of the Child Rights Act 2003, which prohibits child marriage or betrothal, an offence which is punishable by five years imprisonment or 500,000 Naira fine.
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Professor Bem Angwe, while referring the matter to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command for prosecution, also stressed the determination of the Commission to ensure the implementation of the Child Rights Act and its enforcement against all persons irrespective of their status or religious belief.
Earlier, Prof. Angwe advised parents and guardians to be vigilant and ensure that their children and wards are not exposed to early marriage, which he pointed out does not only offend the law but has psychological, social and health implications. For more scintillating and juicy stories, follow the official Naijapals accounts On Twitter - @Naijapals and Facebook - www.facebook.com/naijapals
I have been reporting on latest news from Nigeria for almost 10 years now. I report on every possible news area I come across, but always ensure my reports are compiled with dignity and fact to uphold my personal values and duty as a journalist
Posted: at 25-07-2015 09:17 AM (8 years ago) | Addicted Hero
Activated at 25-07-2015 10:04 AM (8 years ago) (m)
Luckily this one was spotted by you guys, What about the ones not spotted by you guys in their villages. Any culprit should arraigned no matter the length of the marriage
Posted: at 25-07-2015 10:04 AM (8 years ago) | Upcoming
Mobbysmartins at 25-07-2015 10:37 AM (8 years ago) (m)
National Human Rights Commission is a complete joke.Where were you when former Zamfara State Governor Amed Yerima married a 13 years old girl?,Okay you people were conveniently silent because he is a rich man,now you want to use one poor man to shine.Nonsense.
Posted: at 25-07-2015 10:37 AM (8 years ago) | Gistmaniac
Quote from: royal james robert on 25-07-2015 10:50 AM
Ur generation and ur up comeing generation is paedophiles igbo and yoruba are the problems of nigeria stupid tribes go to hell
mumu aboki boy, which yoruba and igbo de spoil the country, if you dont know what to say, you better go sit in the toilet, moreover, your sister of 13 years still in primary five, shame on you
Posted: at 25-07-2015 11:51 AM (8 years ago) | Newbie
ooooo,ok i know now how to each difference tribes in this forum,it is just to accuse any tribes then people that fall in that tribe will show up themselves,good
Posted: at 25-07-2015 06:39 PM (8 years ago) | Gistmaniac
Activated
dareper
Mobbysmartins
royalsam450
dubaiboy
Blessed75
kenosas
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echeeche
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he should rot in jail 
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