Custody Dispute: Lagos Court Orders Two Children Returned to Father, Renews Focus on Children’s Best Interests
Two children have been ordered to be temporarily returned to their father by a Lagos High Court in a case of ongoing custody battle, reigniting the debate on the importance of protecting children from the negative impact of family conflict.
Justice A.G. Balogun directed the return of the children to their father until the custody case between him and his estranged wife is determined. The father had claimed the children were removed from his custody, moved from place to place and kept away from him for months, which interfered with their schooling and daily routines.
Although the final decision on custody will be made by the court based on the evidence presented to it, child protection professionals believe that children can suffer long-term effects from the conflict between their parents. Moving often, missing school, and being separated from familiar caregivers can cause uncertainty, anxiety and emotional distress at the most important times of development.
The importance of safeguarding professionals is to always put the child first in custody proceedings, rather than the interests of the adults. They help parents not to involve children in legal proceedings, not to expose them to conflicts or to use them as leverage in family conflicts.
It is also important to ensure that children remain in school, receive health care, emotional support and stable relationships regardless of the outcome of the case, advocates say.
The recent decision is a reminder that although parents may have their differences, children should not have to carry the emotional weight of their parents’ disagreements. The wellbeing, stability and right to a safe and nurturing environment should be paramount in all stages of family proceedings.
