On July 13, 2023, during an advocacy visit to the Emir of Lapai in Niger State, the PWAN team was informed of a tragic case that had occurred just a day earlier. A young girl, Sadiya, had been brutally assaulted and was receiving treatment at the General Hospital.
PWAN immediately reached out to her family and visited the hospital. Sadiya bravely recounted that six boys had forced her to ingest a substance that left her weak before violating her. She recognized one of them by his limp and distinct voice—the same boy who had previously harassed her when she rejected his advances. According to her, the perpetrators mocked her, saying they would disgrace her before the community.
The hospital promptly conducted medical examinations and, with her father’s consent, shared the report with PWAN. Determined to ensure justice, PWAN proceeded to the police division where the case was lodged. At the time, three suspects had been arrested. However, due to concerns about poor accountability within the Lapai police, PWAN escalated the matter to the Police Force Headquarters on July 15, 2023. Statements from both Sadiya and the suspects were taken in PWAN’s presence.
When the prime suspect evaded arrest, PWAN mobilized resources to support phone tracking, which led to his capture by the vigilante group and subsequent transfer to the state headquarters. Despite resistance from local police—who insisted that further investigations in Lapai must be funded by the victim’s family—PWAN intervened, covering transportation costs and deploying a PDSS lawyer and Program Assistant to accompany the police and safeguard due process.
The case is currently in court, with the accused remanded in custody.
Weeks later, PWAN was contacted by Sadiya’s guardian after she attempted suicide, overwhelmed by the trauma and stigma. Once again, PWAN intervened—enrolling her in therapy sessions and ensuring continuous psychosocial support. At the recommendation of her therapist, PWAN facilitated her placement in an internship program with Lapai TV, providing her with purposeful engagement and hope for the future.
Today, though her case is ongoing, Sadiya’s journey reflects the resilience of survivors when communities, families, and institutions are held accountable—and when civil society stands firm. PWAN’s intervention not only ensured that justice took its course but also restored dignity, safety, and opportunity to a girl who was once silenced by violence.