CLEEN raises alarm over ‘sexual exploitation by religious leaders’

The CLEEN Foundation has raised concerns over reports of sexual exploitation by some religious leaders against people who approach them for counselling, spiritual guidance and other forms of assistance.

The foundation called for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable people seeking help from religious institutions and urged relevant interreligious bodies and government authorities to address the problem.

Its Programme Director, Dr Salaudeen Hasheem, raised the concern at a two-day state-level policy dialogue on strengthening institutional capacity, compliance and accountability in the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Kaduna state.

Hasheem said religious institutions should provide safe environments for people seeking support rather than expose them to further abuse.

He urged relevant interreligious bodies and state authorities to examine reported cases of sexual exploitation and strengthen measures to protect vulnerable people.

The dialogue, organised by CLEEN Foundation with support from the Norwegian Government through the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Abuja, brought together government officials, security agencies, judicial authorities, civil society organisations, religious leaders and other stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting the implementation of the law.

Hasheem described the VAPP Law as an important legal framework for addressing different forms of violence, including sexual, physical, psychological and economic abuse.

He stressed the need for greater public awareness of the law and the mechanisms available to survivors seeking protection and justice.

Citing findings presented at the meeting, Hasheem said 17.9 per cent of residents in Kaduna State had never heard of the VAPP Law, while a study indicated that about 38 per cent of women aged 14 to 49 had experienced physical or sexual violence.

He said the findings underscored the need for stronger public sensitisation and more effective institutional responses to violence.

Hasheem called for collaboration with the National Orientation Agency to improve grassroots awareness of the law and available reporting channels.

He also urged the state’s technical working group to strengthen stakeholder participation and develop practical policy recommendations to improve implementation.

The programme director stressed the need to assess the accessibility and effectiveness of Sexual Assault Referral Centres, shelters and other survivor-support services.

He further called for improved case-tracking systems and updated records to help survivors identify and access appropriate services.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Dr Rabi Salisu, represented by her Senior Special Assistant, Maryam Muazu, reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to strengthening implementation of the VAPP Law.

The commissioner said effective enforcement required coordinated action by government agencies, security organisations, the judiciary, healthcare providers, civil society groups, traditional institutions and religious leaders.

She emphasised the need for a survivor-centred approach that prioritises safety, dignity, confidentiality and access to medical care, psychosocial support and legal assistance.

She also called for a practical state action plan with clear institutional responsibilities, implementation timelines, sustainable funding and measurable indicators to monitor progress.

The Attorney-General of Kaduna State, Dr Suleiman Shuaibu, represented by Kuwot Waje, commended CLEEN Foundation for convening the dialogue, saying the engagement would help improve awareness and strengthen institutional structures for implementing the law.

Representing the National Orientation Agency in Kaduna State, Esther Kalau reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to using its grassroots presence to promote awareness of the VAPP Law.