Medical doctor held over rape of patient

Activists and human rights lawyers, led by the coordinator of Child Rights Protection Initiative (CPRI), Mrs. Grace Atim, were at the Benue State Police Command Headquarters, where the accused was detained at the weekend, insisting that prosecution must commence immediately. 
The Guardian learnt that the girl (names withheld) had gone to the Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), Hospital where the doctor had been deployed by the United Nations to conduct tests required by her school when she was molested.
According to the girl, the doctor, upon examining her private parts, claimed that she had serious infections that must be flushed out or she would be in critical medical condition. At this point, she said the accused directed her to follow him to the 'flushing' room behind the military hospital.
It was at the building behind the hospital, which turned out to be the official residence of the doctor that the student was violated.
She said that she reported the rape to her father, a professor with the Benue State University who in turn brought the matter before the NASME commandant.
The commandant arrested the doctor and handed him over to the police. Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Mohammed, confirmed the incident. He said after interrogation, the doctor would be prosecuted.
In an interview, Mrs. Atim urged the police to prosecute the doctor speedily to serve as deterrent to other medical staff involved in rape cases.
She regretted increase in the rape of under-aged girls in the state, noting that CPRI is handling several of such cases. She added that the group has mobilised its lawyers to follow up the case to ensure that the medical doctor does not escape justice.