120 sex and gender-based violence offenders convicted by Lagos courts but critics cite slow pace of justice
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Some 120 individuals were convicted of various forms of sexual and gender-based violence in Lagos between January and December 2024, as confirmed by the state Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
The agency disclosed the figure following a report that 9,279 domestic violence cases were recorded in the state last year.
The report also said about 3,215 children were subjected to different forms of abuse in 2024 with most perpetrators being relatives or individuals known to the victims.
In reaction to the figures, the DSVA told The PUNCH the state government is adopting a technology-driven and preventive approach to tackle the crimes.
DSVA Executive Secretary Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi explained that the state has made significant strides in prosecuting offenders.
“In the last year, the Lagos State Government has secured more than 120 convictions for sexual and gender-based violence. Some of these convictions range from life imprisonment to 65-year jail terms,” she said.
But human rights activists insisted that the government must do more to protect vulnerable groups and support survivors.
They also expressed concern that the scale of abuse may be underreported, as victims often hesitate to come forward due to stigma, fear, or a lack of trust in the system.
Ololade Ajayi, DOHS Cares Foundation founder and femicide report curator, urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to actively support the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
“We should ask the right questions: Why are the police frustrating this? Is it corruption? Are they insensitive? Is it the lack of funding for the police? And then fix it,” she said.
Ajayi also decried the slow pace of justice in sexual assault cases and questioned the level of government support for survivors.
“Why is the rape trial process so lengthy? What has the government put in place to support survivors? What might discourage them from speaking up or seeking justice?”
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