Lagos Judge Urges Creation of Victim and Witness Protection Agency

A judge in Lagos State, Justice Rahman Oshodi, has urged the state government to quickly set up the Victim Assistance and Witness Protection Agency. He warned that without this agency, important protections for crime victims, especially children facing sexual abuse, are not available.

This call came during a recent court case, The State of Lagos v. Adio Serious. Justice Oshodi highlighted that the Lagos State Victim Assistance and Witness Protection Law was enacted in 2024 but has not yet been put into action. This law is meant to ensure victims receive support and compensation, and that witnesses are protected from threats or harm.

In a separate case, Justice Oshodi discharged and acquitted a man named Taiwo Oyelabi, who had been accused of raping his daughter. Although the prosecution proved that sexual intercourse occurred, they could not show that it happened without consent. The judge pointed out that the alleged victim was not called to testify, which was crucial for determining consent.

The case against Oyelabi began in 2019, and he had been in custody for over eight years. The prosecution’s evidence was limited, as they only called one police officer to testify, and they failed to provide medical evidence regarding the alleged pregnancy of the daughter. Justice Oshodi emphasized that a conviction cannot be based on suspicion and that the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Justice Oshodi’s comments also brought attention to other recent cases of sexual abuse he has handled, where some defendants were convicted while others were not. He expressed concern about the long wait for justice faced by defendants due to inadequate prosecution and the need for better support for victims.