By Lukman Olabiyi and Bianca Iboma-Emefu
In an effort to address the increasing cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and improve access to justice for vulnerable groups, the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC II) and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance(IDEA), has launched a free legal service initiative in Ojo Local Government,Lagos State.
The initiative is designed to support survivors of SGBV, especially women and girls by offering professional, confidential, and compassionate legal aid.
At the outreach event yesterday, survivors were provided with free legal advice, counseling, and education about their rights under key state laws, including the Lagos State Protection Against Domestic Violence Law, the Criminal Law of Lagos State, and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law.
Through its community legal clinic, WRAHP aim are to bridge this gap and empower both individuals and communities.
Speaking at the event, Chief Legal Aid Officer of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Kokei Emmanuel Ogbonnaya, stressed the importance of societal reform and legal education.
He recounted a troubling case from Oshodi,where a woman who reported abuse was being blamed by police officers.
“This is a reflection of deep-rooted cultural ignorance that discourages women from seeking justice,” he said.
Ogbonnaya called for intensified public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on legal rights and protections.
“Everyone has a right to life and dignity, regardless of marital status,” he added.
He also spoke about the ongoing legal reforms in Lagos, including the amended of 2021 Administration of Criminal Justice Law. While he acknowledged that plea bargain provisions would help to ease the strain on the prison system, he cautioned that justice for survivors must not be compromised.
“Criminal cases should uphold justice on behalf of the state, not just seek compensation. The focus must remain on rehabilitating survivors,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Precious Eberechukwu, Centre Manager of the Women’s Rights and Justice Programme at Ireti Resource Centre, highlighted the importance of continued advocacy. She noted that a year-long project was underway to raise awareness and educate communities on how to recognize and confront domestic and sexual abuse.