Ekiti State Government has disclosed that sexual offenders will now be made to undergo compulsory psychiatrist test, in addition to having their names and photographs published on websites and their home communities.
Speaking at a news briefing in Ado Ekiti on Monday, The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Wale Fapohunda, explained that the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi is worried over rising cases of sex offences despite high number of convictions recorded in the state.
Fapohunda said that names of rapists, child abusers and perpetrators of sexual violence would also be announced on the state-owned radio and television, while the traditional ruler of the offender’s hometown would be alerted to get information about his personality.
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He explained that the state government was aware that conviction alone would not solve the problem, hence actions that would deprive offenders of their rights to dignity, said public education and awareness would be stepped up to sensitise the populace.
Fapohunda added that sex offenders would be excluded from governor’s prerogative of mercy already in place.
“The additional measures put in place include pasting the photographs of convicted offenders in prominent public spaces in their communities and their local government headquarters,” he was quoted as saying.
“Issuing an advisory to the traditional ruler of the offender’s communities on the status of the offender, uploading the sex offender’s photograph on the website of the Ministry of Justice, showing photographs of sex offenders on Ekiti State Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State and announcing their names on radio and television.
“Compulsory psychiatric test for all persons of who the Director of Public Prosecution has issued a case to answer legal advice for the offence of child defilement. This also includes persons standing trials,” he said.