Lagos Pioneers Forensic Interviews to Protect Sexually Abused Children
Lagos State has unveiled a pioneering Child Sexual Abuse Investigative and Interview Protocol to improve justice delivery for sexually abused children.
The initiative, launched on Thursday, introduces a specialised forensic interviewing process designed to protect children who have been sexually abused from further trauma while ensuring their stories are heard.
With this move, Lagos becomes the first state in Nigeria to adopt such a system, setting a new benchmark for child protection and justice reform.
A System That Listens to Children
Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, emphasised that children deserve a justice system that listens to them with dignity and treats their words with the seriousness they deserve.
He noted that too often, the accounts of affected children are dismissed, mishandled, or overshadowed by sentiment, which can lead to miscarriages of justice. The new protocol, he said, is a step towards ensuring decisions are grounded in facts and guided by the rule of law.
Impact on Children in Lagos State
For children in Lagos, this protocol is a lifeline. Children who have suffered sexual abuse face fear, shame, and confusion when navigating the justice system.
Traditional interrogation methods can be intimidating, making it harder for them to speak openly. The forensic interviewing approach creates a safe, child-centred space where they can share their experiences without harassment, judgment, or the risk of being retraumatised.
Strengthening Prosecutions and Deterrence
One of the most significant impacts of this protocol is its potential to strengthen prosecutions. Poor interviewing techniques in the past often resulted in weak evidence, leading to acquittals and allowing perpetrators to walk free.
By adopting best practices in forensic interviewing, Lagos State is equipping investigators and prosecutors with the tools they need to build stronger cases. This will not only improve conviction rates but also send a clear message that sexual crimes against children will not go unpunished.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Founder of CeCe Yara Foundation, Mrs Bola Tinubu, described the launch as the birth of a voice for children.
She highlighted that the current justice process for sexually abused children can be unnecessarily traumatic and even undermine the prosecution’s case.
The protocol, she said, is about building a justice system that works for children, values their voices, and ensures that their truth leads to justice.
A New Era in Child Protection
With this launch, Lagos is not only addressing a critical gap in its justice system but also setting an example for other states to follow.
The move reflects a deeper commitment to child protection, human rights, and justice reform, signalling that the welfare of children will be at the heart of the state’s legal processes.
Conclusion
This bold step shows that Lagos State prioritises its young citizens, ensuring their voices are heard, their dignity is respected, and justice is delivered.
In line with Section 27 of the Child Rights Law of Lagos State, no person shall have sexual intercourse with a child, and anyone who does will face the full weight of the law. With this protocol, Lagos has reinforced its resolve to protect its children and secure a safer future for them.
