CLEEN Foundation Addresses Sexual Exploitation by Religious Leaders

The CLEEN Foundation has expressed alarm over reports of sexual exploitation by some religious leaders towards individuals seeking counseling and spiritual guidance. This concern was raised by Dr Salaudeen Hasheem, the Programme Director, at a two-day state-level policy dialogue focused on enhancing institutional capacity and compliance with the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Kaduna State.

Hasheem urged religious institutions to create safe environments for those seeking support and called for interreligious bodies and state authorities to investigate reported cases of exploitation. The dialogue, supported by the Norwegian Government through the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Abuja, included various stakeholders such as government officials and civil society organizations.

Hasheem highlighted that 17.9 percent of Kaduna residents were unaware of the VAPP Law, and about 38 percent of women aged 14 to 49 had experienced physical or sexual violence. He called for improved public awareness and collaboration with the National Orientation Agency to enhance grassroots understanding of the law.