I’ll use my powers to help free Ese – Alhassan

The Minister of Women Affairs, Jummai Alhassan, has called for the release of Ese Oruru, saying she will use her powers and influence as a minister and woman to secure her release.

In a series of tweets, said Ese’s case had brought to the fore the need to protect the rights of children and women in our society.

“We won’t relent. #FreeEse,” she added.

The minister, who said she only got to know about the case on Sunday, through reports published by SundayPUNCH, tweeted that she had been “in touch with the police authorities in Kano over Ese’s immediate release to her parents and we are making progess.”

According to her Ese is still a child under Nigerian laws, and her right to freedom of movement is subject to parental control. Consequently, she said the Ministry of Women Affairs would prosecute anyone found to have contravened the law.

“No culture, religion or personal conviction supersedes the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ese Oruru must return home. #FreeEse,” she said.

“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. #FreeEse.”