Isiyaku Ahmed
The Kano State Ministry of Justice has pledged to conclude its review of the proposed amendments to the harmonized draft of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law and Kano State Penal Code within two weeks before forwarding it to the Kano State Executive Council for approval and subsequent transmission to the State House of Assembly.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN, gave the assurance on Wednesday at two-day joint review meeting of the Harmonised Penal Code and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law, organised by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kano State Branch, in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Justice, where stakeholders, development partners, civil society organizations, and members of the legal profession gathered to deliberate on proposals aimed at strengthening the legislation.
The Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Program (RoLAC II), funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), has supported the state government in the harmonization process since it was initiated in 2021.
According to the AG, the Ministry has taken note of the recommendations and submissions made during the review and will subject them to a comprehensive legal assessment.
“We have carefully considered the various proposals and recommendations presented during this review process.
“At the conclusion of this exercise, the Ministry of Justice will undertake a thorough examination of all the submissions,” he said.
He disclosed that a committee would be constituted immediately to review the proposed amendments, assuring stakeholders that the assignment would be completed within two weeks.
“Once the Ministry concludes its review, the proposed amendments will be forwarded without delay to the Kano State Executive Council for consideration and approval before transmission to the Kano State House of Assembly,” he stated.
The Attorney General reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring that the amended law is enacted, stressing that the government would not treat the assignment lightly.
“We are fully committed to ensuring that the proposed amendments see the light of day and ultimately become law.
“The time, effort, and resources invested in this important exercise will, by the grace of Almighty Allah, not be in vain,” he added.
He explained that the review seeks to strengthen legal protection for vulnerable persons while ensuring that the law reflects the social, cultural, and religious values of Kano State in line with the principles of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the exercise, the Attorney General said he expected the review to produce recommendations that would enhance access to justice and improve the protection of victims of violence across the state.
He also commended development partners for their technical and financial support, describing their contributions as critical to the success of the review process.
The Attorney General further acknowledged the role of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and civil society organizations for their active participation, constructive contributions, and commitment to strengthening the legal framework against violence.
He prayed for continued collaboration among stakeholders to advance justice and safeguard the rights of vulnerable members of society.
Earlier, the Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria, Kano Branch, Her Worship Chief Magistrate Salma Ahmad Danbappha (Rtd.), reaffirmed FIDA Kano’s commitment to supporting legal reforms that strengthen access to justice and protect the rights of women, children, and other vulnerable persons.
She noted that FIDA played a key role in facilitating the harmonization process through technical support, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy to ensure that the VAPP Law is effectively integrated into the Kano State legal framework.
The FIDA Chairperson also said eliminating duplication and closing legal gaps will create a more coherent and enforceable law, improve access to justice for survivors, and strengthen accountability for perpetrators of violence.
“The ultimate goal is to produce a law that is comprehensive, accessible, and enforceable,” she added.
She further stated that FIDA Kano will continue to work with the Ministry of Justice and other stakeholders to ensure that the relevant procedural provisions of the VAPP framework are incorporated into the appropriate procedural laws, institutional frameworks, and coordination mechanisms to strengthen gender-based violence prevention, protection, referral, prosecution, and survivor response across Kano State
