Nigeria: Police, advocates, and traditional leaders collaborate to free 57 women from 'money woman' debt bondage in Cross River State

A collaborative effort involving the Nigeria Police, women’s rights advocates, and traditional authorities has led to the freedom of 57 women from the “money woman” practice in Becheve communities of Obanliku Local Government Area, Cross River State. This intervention follows the formal abolition of the custom, which historically used young girls as collateral for family debts. Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Founding Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, announced that N6.2 million was raised to facilitate the release of the first group of women. He emphasized the goal to document this model for replication in other communities. Erelu Fayemi, former First Lady of Ekiti State, highlighted the widespread nature of harmful traditional practices across Nigeria and called on men, who hold significant power in their communities, to help end these practices. The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, represented by Deputy Force Secretary Suleiman Gulma, affirmed the police's commitment to supporting victims and tackling related abuses, noting the establishment of gender-based violence desks in police commands nationwide. HRH Amos Uyumulam, Paramount Ruler of the area, read a communiqué reaffirming the practice's abolition and outlining steps for enforcement, including the return of a N100,000 bride price to free the women. This initiative showcases increasing collaboration among civil society, law enforcement, and traditional institutions to add