The Lagos State Government says it is stepping up efforts to improve justice delivery and support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), as officials and key stakeholders met for a Gender-Based Violence Case Conferencing in Lagos.
The meeting, held on 3 February at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA). It brought together representatives from the judiciary, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Nigerian Police Force, health professionals and survivor support organisations.
Officials said the aim was to strengthen coordination between agencies involved in investigating and prosecuting cases, while also addressing challenges that affect case outcomes and survivor support.
The Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said tackling gender-based violence requires collective responsibility and careful, evidence-based decisions.
She said case conferencing allows agencies to examine legal and procedural issues, manage survivor expectations and ensure improved coordination from investigation through to prosecution and survivor care.
A judge of the Lagos State judiciary, Justice Abiola Soladoye, commended the police for their work on gender-based violence cases but stressed the importance of timely investigations and prosecutions. She also called for increased public awareness to encourage survivors to report incidents and emphasised the importance of credible witness testimony in securing convictions.
During the technical session, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Babajide Martins, explained the legal basis for prosecution decisions in SGBV cases. He said the Attorney General and the DPP have constitutional authority to initiate prosecutions, including in situations where police investigations may not yet have begun.
He also outlined key legal principles in defilement cases, noting that consent is not legally recognised for minors, and highlighting the importance of medical evidence and proof required under the law.
Participants reviewed practical cases and discussed issues such as evidence collection, safeguarding children and the need for prompt reporting. Questions were also raised about arrests without medical reports, handling cases involving young children, and ensuring criminal cases are not withdrawn once formally reported.
Officials concluded the meeting with a renewed commitment to improving professional standards, strengthening inter-agency cooperation and ensuring greater access to justice and protection for survivors across Lagos State.
