Gender inequality remains a controversial topic. There is an unspoken expectation that society imposes on the girl child to be adequately trained and well-versed in etiquette. Yet the same level of training isn’t always emphasized for her male counterpart. Hence, menaces to society are born and raised in various forms. Some of these manifest as sexual predators, wreaking havoc and causing emotional trauma to their victims.
A mother would teach her daughter to be ‘suspicious’ of any boy who sweet-talks. But who is ensuring that the boy does not become a sweet-talker? And what happens when a ‘suspect’ crosses the line?
Timilehin Adigun: one of many sexual predators
Last week, social media was awash with reports of Pastor Timilehin Adigun – leader of MINE Teenage Ministry, an outreach that preaches sexual purity.
The married religious leader allegedly isn’t practising what he preaches. He molested some of the girls in his ministry.
Apology of a sexual predator
In the ensuing uproar, Adigun addressed the issue by appearing to be hurt for being called out. According to him, the revelation was made by folks he had fallen out with.
Did he admit to the crime? Yes! Should he be arrested and charged? Yes! However, this is yet to happen.
The role of the law
There are countless cases of girls and women going through emotional trauma due to sexual abuse. Those who gather enough guts to speak up must be encouraged. And most importantly, the sexual predators must face the full wrath of the law.
There is a need for the Nigerian authorities to look into cases of sexual abuse with more seriousness. Cases should not be swept under the carpet especially when it is becoming a norm in our society.
Read Also: The Other Side of Sexual Abuse
An apology is the admission of guilt and shouldn’t be the end of the case! To serve as a deterrent to others, a suspect must be charged, tried and prosecuted.
And the fact that none of his victims is a minor does not remove or reduce the hurt he has caused.
Guilty by association
There is a group of people who stand staunchly behind a suspect – the enablers. The enabler is a defender of the perpetrator. And no, we are not referring to legal counsel.
Some persons, in defense of Adigun, stated that everyone has a hidden sin. Such people are guilty are by association and their character should be questioned.
Statistics show that most victims prefer to keep silent and remain faceless. This is because the few who speak up often suffer backlashes.
And in the event that the suspect is a religious leader, the stakes are even higher because the victim is queried for daring to ‘touch the anointed’.
We need strong voices to speak out and condemn the ills of society.
Society is setting a dangerous precedent if it allows criminals to just apologize. Every victim of crime deserves justice.
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