Dear Minister,

I am writing to you regarding the case of rape and death of Keren-Happuch Akpagher which, after more than two years, has not yet been met with justice.

Keren-Happuch Akpagher was a fourteen-year-old girl from Abuja. In June 2021, she died from health complications from rape. On June 18th, Keren requested her mother Vivienne Akpagher to pick her up from her boarding school because of her health problems. However, owing to the regulations relating to the covid-19 pandemic, this would mean Keren would miss a week of education because she was required to quarantine before returning to school. Thus, Vivienne Akpagher decided to leave Keren in care of the school. On the following day, June 19th, Keren contacted her mother again and insisted she took her home. In addition, one of the teachers told Vivienne Akpagher in confidence that Keren’s health was deteriorating. Hence, Vivienne Akpagher brought Keren home, where Keren’s condition worsened and in the evening, her family had to bring her to the hospital. The medical examination revealed signs of rape and a condom left in Keren’s uterus. Keren’s condition was deteriorating, and she lost consciousness. On June 22nd 2021, Keren-Happuch Akpagher died from a sepsis infection caused by the condom that had been left in her body.

For over two years, Keren’s family is seeking justice, however Nigerian police has not pressed any charges and has not conducted effective investigation. First, the police refused to give Keren’s family a copy of the medical report about Keren’s condition at the hospital. Eventually, Keren’s family got access to the report in which it was stated that Keren died of rape. The police also refused to issue a copy of the autopsy report, which Keren’s family and their lawyers protested under the Freedom of Information Act. The police have not issued the autopsy report and merely invited the family and representatives of Keren’s former school to a meeting and read parts of the report to them. Keren’s school continues to operate without any adjustments. Moreover, it obstructs the investigation, for example it fails to produce CCTV footage which could bring light to the case. In addition, on January 17th 2022, the school pressed charges against Lemmy Ughegbe, a child and gender rights advocate seeking justice for Keren. The school accused him of “defamation” and “provocation” and filed a suit filed before an Abuja High Court, requesting Lemmy Ughegbe to pay N500 million as damages, and to be barred from making further public statements with regards to Keren’s alleged rape and death.

I hereby urge you to investigate the case of rape and death of Keren-Happuch Akpagher. The investigation must be conducted promptly and without any other obstructions. The perpetrator must be prosecuted at a fair trial in accordance with international law.

In addition, I request the harassment of Keren’s family and their lawyers by Nigerian authorities and Keren’s former school to cease immediately. Their right of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be respected.

Thank you.

Kind Regards,