The abduction and forced marriage of 13 year-old Ese Oruru by a certain Yunusa from Kano State which has been trending in the social media has drawn the attention of the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Aishat Al-Hassan.
Yunusa allegedly abducted Ese
in Opolo, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, in August, 2015 and took her to Kano where he forcefully converted to his wife and renamed her Aishat.
Al-Hassan who was the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Taraba State in last year's general elections condemned Yunusa's action which she described as illegal.
“Our laws are very clear on the case. Ese Oruru is 14 and as such cannot consent to marriage. Any such union she’s in is illegal.
“I have been in touch with the police authorities in Kano over Ese’s immediate release to her parents and we are making progress.
“I can assure you that I will use all my powers and influence as a Minister and woman to secure the release and return of Ese Oruru.
“Ese is still a child under our laws, and her right to freedom of movement is subject to parental control. She must be returned.
“Child Rights Act says no person under 18 is capable of contracting a valid marriage, and a marriage so contracted is null and void.
“The Act also clearly states that anyone who marries a child is liable to a fine of N500,000 or 5 years imprisonment or both.
“No culture, religion or personal conviction supersedes the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ese Oruru must return home.
“My ministry is on this case and we will ensure full prosecution of anyone who is found to have contravened the law,” she said.
The Minister assured that Ese who is now 14 will soon be released and reunited with her parents.
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