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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has urged judges and magistrates to adopt trauma-informed approaches in handling sexual offence cases.
Delivering a keynote address at a three-day capacity-building workshop in Lagos, Fagbemi said the shift would align courtroom practices with scientific understanding of trauma.
“Sexual violence is not merely a violation of law; it is a profound assault on human dignity,” he said.
Represented by Oyo State Attorney-General, Abiobun Aikomo, he noted that while Nigeria has strengthened legal frameworks, gaps remain in judicial interpretation.
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He warned against misinterpreting survivor behaviour, explaining that trauma responses such as delayed reporting or memory gaps are not signs of dishonesty.
“These are neurobiological responses — fight, flight, freeze or fawn,” he said.
He stressed that trauma-informed justice enhances fairness rather than weakens it.
Other speakers, including Yewande Gbola-Awopetu and Dr Mufuliat Fijabi, highlighted the need to strengthen legal protections, improve survivor support and promote zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
Justice Rahman Oshodi and other experts also emphasised improved courtroom practices, survivor protection and stronger prosecutorial strategies.
