Case Explained: Not Culture but Crime”: Federation urges full Prosecution, sanctions for traditional leaders – Legal Perspective

By Folasade Akpan

The Nigeria Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW Nigeria) has demanded full prosecution of all perpetrators involved in the attack on women in Ozoro, Delta State during a festival.

The National President, Ojobo Atuluku, made the federation’s position known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that women were reportedly harassed and assaulted during the recent Ozoro Festival.

While condemning the attacks, Atuluku said what happened was not culture but criminality.

“It was gender-based violence in its most brazen form, inflicted on women who had every right to be safe in their own community.”

According to her, all the perpetrators including organisers, participants, and enablers should be prosecuted under all applicable laws, with independent oversight to prevent compromise.

She said that investigation and sanction of traditional authorities in the affected community should be carried out.

“Where culpability, negligence, or complicity is established, we call for the removal of all implicated office holders up to and including the relevant First Class Chief under applicable chieftaincy laws.

“We demand mandatory regulation of cultural festivals to ensure compliance with human rights and public safety standards before any event is permitted to proceed.”

While acknowledging the swift action of the Delta State Police Command in arresting the alleged organiser and other suspects, she said arrests alone was not justice.

“Justice requires thorough investigation, transparent prosecution, and consequences that leave no doubt that violence against women will not be tolerated in Nigeria under any circumstance, and certainly not under the cover of tradition.”

According to her, the acts violate the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Section 34, right to dignity), the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, and the Criminal Code Act.

She said that they also breached Nigeria’s international obligations under CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol, which required the State to protect women from violence and harmful practices.

The federation also demanded comprehensive support for victims including medical care, psychosocial services, legal aid, and witness protection.

It called on the Federal Government and the state governments to enforce all relevant legal frameworks.

Atuluku also called on traditional rulers across Nigeria to recognise that leadership carried responsibility and that no cultural event should ever become a platform for abuse.

She urged civil society, professional bodies, and the media to sustain pressure until justice was fully achieved.

“This incident is not isolated. It is a stark reminder that too many Nigerian women still navigate spaces where their safety is not guaranteed.

“That must change, and it must change now.

“BPW Nigeria stands in unwavering solidarity with the victims and we will continue to advocate, mobilise, and pursue all lawful measures including strategic litigation, until every Nigerian woman’s dignity and safety are protected.

“An injury to one woman is an injury to all,” she added.

(NAN)