Rights body warns against cultural practices that violate constitutional protections
By A1 News International
Abuja, Nigeria — March 25, 2026
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate prosecution of perpetrators involved in reported cases of sexual violence during the Alue-Do cultural festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
The Commission described the incident as a grave violation of fundamental human rights, warning that cultural practices must not override constitutional guarantees of dignity, safety, and freedom.
What Happened
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, condemned the alleged abuse of women and girls during the festival, characterising the acts as “unacceptable” and incompatible with modern societal standards.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in Ozoro, has drawn national attention amid growing concerns over the enforcement of laws protecting women and vulnerable groups during traditional gatherings.
Ojukwu stated that the violations amounted to an assault on the privacy, dignity, and safety of victims, stressing that no cultural observance should legitimise abuse or harassment.
Official Response
The NHRC urged law enforcement authorities, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to ensure the arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators and accomplices, including festival organisers and traditional authorities found culpable.
While commending the police for the prompt arrest of some suspects, the Commission insisted that investigations must be thorough, independent, and transparent to guarantee justice.
Ojukwu further emphasised that accountability is critical to deterring future violations and reinforcing public confidence in the rule of law.
Legal and Human Rights Framework
The Commission noted that such acts contravene Nigeria’s legal and human rights obligations, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Anti-Torture Act, both of which criminalise degrading and abusive treatment.
It also referenced Nigeria’s commitments under international frameworks such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Maputo Protocol, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which mandate the protection of women and girls from violence.
The NHRC maintained that any cultural practice that promotes or tolerates sexual harassment must either be reformed to align with constitutional standards or abolished entirely.
Background
The Commission described the Ozoro incident as a disturbing reminder of past cases of sexual violence, including that of Ochanya Ogbanje, which highlighted systemic failures in protecting vulnerable individuals and securing justice.
It warned that continued impunity in such cases undermines national efforts to combat gender-based violence and weakens institutional credibility.
Why It Matters
The NHRC’s intervention underscores a broader national tension between cultural preservation and constitutional rights enforcement. As Nigeria confronts persistent gender-based violence, the effectiveness of legal frameworks depends on consistent enforcement, particularly in community-based settings where informal norms often override formal law.
Failure to act decisively risks normalising abuse under the guise of tradition, with long-term consequences for public safety, gender equity, and the rule of law.
The development raises fresh concerns about accountability and oversight in Nigeria’s public institutions.
![Nigerian military prepares to cordon the area where a man was killed by suspected rebel fighters during an attack around the Polo area of Maiduguri, Nigeria, in 2019 [File: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters]](https://a1news.com.ng/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Nigeria-military-on-patrol.webp)
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