Lagos State Government has introduced a new initiative, the Child Sexual Abuse Investigative and Interview Protocol, aimed at improving the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases.
This groundbreaking protocol, developed in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme and the Cece Yara Foundation, is the first of its kind in the state.
It provides a standardised and victim-centred approach to interviewing child survivors, minimising trauma while ensuring evidence is credible and admissible in court.
READ ALSO: Lagos govt reaffirms commitment to sustainable water transport
During the launch event, Lawal Pedro, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, described the protocol as a crucial step toward ending child sexual abuse.
He emphasised that the initiative is designed to give a voice to children who have been silenced, ensuring that every investigative step protects the child and delivers swift and compassionate justice.
Pedro also presented certificates to the newly certified forensic interviewers, a group of professionals trained to conduct sensitive interviews with children according to international best practices.
The collaboration among various agencies, including the police, social workers, and medical and legal professionals, was highlighted as key to handling these cases with the required urgency and sensitivity.
Also, Ajibola Ijimakinwa, the RoLAC State Coordinator, stated that the protocol aligns with RoLAC’s mission to reform the justice sector and protect vulnerable individuals.
She noted that the partnership with the Lagos State Government demonstrates the positive outcomes achievable when stakeholders unite for a common purpose.
More so, Bola Tinubu, the founder of the Cece Yara Foundation, emphasised that defeating child sexual abuse requires consistent, collective action from society.
READ ALSO: Lagos govt demands higher standards for driver education amid traffic woes
She added that while the protocol provides professionals with the necessary tools to listen and act in the best interest of the child, every individual has a role to play in safeguarding children.
The event ended with the certification of forensic interviewers, who are now equipped to conduct sensitive child interviews with empathy and integrity.
