Chairperson of the Federation of International Women Lawyers in Rivers State, Adata Bio-Briggs has said that the trial for rape is not on social media, but in the law courts.
Briggs, who made this known in a statement was reacting to a viral video of some students of the University of Calabar accusing one Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the Dean of the Faculty of Law of sexual harassment.
In the video, the students were seen displaying placards with various inscriptions – alleging that they were raped by Prof. Ndifon.
Adata stated that there are steps victims of rape must take to ensure the prosecution of suspects, adding that carrying of placards will only shame the suspect.
Her statement reads,
If you are a victim of rape, the trial for rape is not on social media or by carrying placards. It is done in the law courts.
There are steps the victim(s) must take, victim(s) must report to the police for investigation, arrest of perpetrator(s), issuance of medical forms and subsequent arraignment of the suspect. Victim(s) must ensure they have evidence of the rape, medical report is key. Victim(s) must be ready to testify.
The use of social media or carrying of placards will shame the suspect but for justice follow the proper protocol. It’s also better to do it timeously to protect the evidence.
University of Calabar students, I hope you get to read this.
