Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has urged survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) to report incidents promptly and reject the fear of societal stigma, emphasizing that early reporting is critical to ensuring justice.
Jimoh assured the survivors that the police are fully equipped to handle such cases with sensitivity and speed.
Jimoh while speaking on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reaffirmed the command’s commitment to deploying technology in combating crimes, especially cybercrime and GBV.
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He stressed that scientific evidence makes cases of rape and defilement easier to prosecute—if they are reported without delay.
“It is very easy to prove either a case of defilement or rape,” Jimoh stated. “But there must be prompt reporting, preservation of the crime scene, and immediate medical and forensic examination.”
He warned that delayed reporting often leads to the destruction of vital evidence and the contamination of crime scenes, making it difficult for investigators to secure convictions.
“When victims delay, it becomes more difficult to secure justice. But with technology, we can crack the veracity or otherwise of rape claims quickly,” he said.
Highlighting the role of technology, the CP disclosed that surveillance cameras with Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities have been installed across Lagos, with three dedicated control centres operated by trained personnel.
He added that these technological tools have significantly boosted the state’s ability to respond to and solve crimes, particularly in the digital space.
“Our cybercrime unit is fully functional, and virtually every cybercrime arrest we have made is tied to our technology-enhanced strategies,” Jimoh noted.
On the growing threat of cultism beyond school environments, the commissioner expressed concern over the involvement of gainfully employed individuals, stating that the police are taking decisive action against the trend.
“Cultism is no longer confined to campuses, and that is deeply concerning,” he said.
Jimoh concluded by reaffirming the command’s readiness to collaborate with the media and other stakeholders in enhancing public safety. He called for a united front against all forms of crime and violence.
He added, “Let us work together to stop all forms of crime and violence.”
