Nigerian government plans to establish special courts to tackle Sexual and Gender Based Violence

The Nigerian Government has indicated interest to establish special courts to tackle Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) cases in the country, stressing that the creation will improve the effectiveness of court service and ensure support for the victims

Penpushing reports that, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, made this known at a conference with the theme, ‘The Imperative for Special Courts for SGBV cases’

The conference, was organised by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme of the European Union in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice and National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons(NAPTEP)

Penpushing further reports that, the Minister represented by Victoria Ojogbane, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, said his ministry is highly committed to fighting against Sexual and Gender Based Violence(SGBV) in Nigeria and will not relent in advocating for the need to designate and establish the specialised courts.

“It is my belief that the creation of special courts to handle cases of sexual and gender-based violence will improve the effectiveness of court service, ensure support for the victims, improve victim participation in the prosecution of their cases, and promote efficiency and better information sharing,” Malami

Penpushing also reports that, National Programme Manager Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), Danladi Plang, in his remarks at the seventh Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) Network   said the conference aims to identify relevant policy options, recommendations, and actions for the efficient disposal of Sexual and Gender Based Violence(SGBV) cases which includes designation or establishment of specialised courts.

“To sensitise and mobilise relevant actors and stakeholders around the imperative for and relevance of special courts for SGBV in the context of Nigeria’s legislative, policy, and social environment,” he said.

Penpushing reports that, the European Union (UN) Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, while speaking, reiterated the European Union’s (EU’s) support for the establishment of Special Gender Based Violence (SGBV) courts in Nigeria.

The Ambassador posited that the specialised Gender Based Violence (SGBV) court is a best practice, and state governments should consider having as many courts in their states as possible.”

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