THE Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday appealed to the state government to exempt victims of rape from the mandatory N5,000 fee  for obtaining medical report in government hospitals.

The Assembly made the appeal following the reported increase in rape cases, particularly of the girl-child,   in the state.

The Assembly also urged members of the public as well as  rape victims and  their parents  to report cases of rape, defilement and other forms of  sexual assault.

These resolutions followed deliberations at   plenary of the house on a motion entitled:  “Need to Stop Request for Payment of N5,000 for medical reports from rape victims and defilement in Oyo State.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the motion was presented by the Chairperson, House Committee on Women Affairs, Mrs Wunmi Oladeji.

The motion was seconded by Mrs Bolanle Agbaje, the member representing Ibadan North I.

Oladeji (APC-Ogbomoso North) argued that young girls who have been sexually assaulted in the state are made to bear the cost  of their test and obtaining medical report whenever they report the matter to the authorities.

According to her, this has caused rape and other issues of defilement of the girl-child to persist because many of the victim’s parents could not  afford the stipulated N5,000 fee.

She also said that the challenge of paying for medical report has ensured that only few offenders are brought to justice.

“Rape or defilement against the girl-child is on the increase day by day.

“In the process of prosecuting offenders of rape, there is need for victims to obtain a medical report from hospitals as a vital document for evidence to assist during prosecution of such offenders.

“It is now compulsory in all government hospitals within the state for rape victims reporting to the police to pay a sum of N5,000 to obtain medical reports.

“However, most of these victims, especially the young girls,  cannot afford this amount.

“If government does not exempt victims of rape or defilement from the compulsory payment of N5,000 for obtaining medical report  from hospitals as evidence for prosecution, perpetrators of these evil and criminal acts would continue to escape justice and such acts would continue to be on the increase in our society,” she said.

Mr Fatai Adesina (PDP- Ibadan South East I),  who commended Oladeji for the motion, said it adequately represented public interest.

Adesina said that the payment of N5,000 by a rape victim in order to obtain medical report was tantamount to subjecting the victim to double jeopardy.

According to him, victims of rape often experience hardships in the aftermath of their attack and should not be subjected to further agony  by being charged for medical services related to rape.

Mr Muideen Olagunju, the member representing Oyo East/Oyo West, said that the policy of payment of N5,000 was a breach of the Child Rights Law of Oyo State.

“Section 15 (3b) of the law expressly states  that the Oyo State government shall ensure the provision of necessary medical assistance and healthcare services to all children.

“In accordance to this law, demanding N5,000 from victims or their parents is a violation,” he said.

The Speaker, Mr Michael Adeyemo, urged the executive arm of the government to put machinery in motion to give full effect to the Child Rights Law passed by the Assembly. (NAN)

– Apr. 17, 2018 @ 16:29 GMT

AE