Lagos Unveils Protocol to Secure Justice for Sexually Abused Children
Lagos State has taken a historic step in child protection with the launch of its Child Sexual Abuse Investigative and Interview Protocol on Thursday.
The State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Lawal Pedro, said the protocol will ensure that abused children receive justice in a system that treats them with dignity and operates within the rule of law. He stressed the importance of listening to children’s testimonies seriously and basing decisions on facts rather than sentiment.
Pedro commended partners such as CeCe Yara Foundation, Rule of Law, and Anti-Corruption initiatives for helping bring the protocol to life, noting that Lagos State is committed to justice reform and the protection of children’s rights.
Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, CEO of CeCe Yara Foundation, said poor forensic interviewing often causes secondary trauma and injustice for affected children. She expressed joy that this long-conceived vision has now become a reality.
Founder of CeCe Yara Foundation, Mrs Bola Tinubu, described the launch as giving a voice to children, stating that the current process for abused children often undermines prosecution.
She highlighted that Lagos is now the first state in Nigeria to have a forensic interviewing protocol for sexually abused children, a bold step towards a system that works for them.
In line with the Child Rights Law of Lagos State, which states that no person shall have sexual intercourse with a child, this bold step ensures that the voices of affected children are heard and that they receive the justice they deserve.
