LAGOS STATE LAUNCHES CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATIVE, INTERVIEW PROTOCOL
… Presents Certificates to Newly Certified Forensic Interviewers
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme and the Cece Yara Foundation, has officially launched the Child Sexual Abuse Investigative and Interview Protocol, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening the protection of children and ensuring the effective prosecution of sexual abuse cases.
The protocol, the first of its kind in the state, provides a standardised, victim-centred framework for interviewing children who may have experienced sexual abuse. It is designed to minimise trauma during investigations, safeguard the dignity of child victims, and ensure that statements obtained are credible, admissible, and meet the highest investigative standards.
Speaking at the event, the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, described the launch as “a bold and necessary step towards ending child sexual abuse in our communities.”
“Today is about giving a voice to children who have been silenced by fear and shame. This protocol ensures that every investigative step protects the child, preserves the integrity of evidence, and delivers justice swiftly and compassionately,” Pedro said.
He further commended the newly certified forensic interviewers for their commitment to this critical responsibility and urged them to carry out their duties with professionalism, empathy, and integrity.
Mr. Pedro also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to sustain inter-agency collaboration among the police, social workers, medical practitioners, and legal officers to ensure child sexual abuse cases are handled with the sensitivity and urgency they deserve.
State Coordinator, RoLAC, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa, noted that the initiative aligns with RoLAC’s mandate to promote justice sector reforms and protect the most vulnerable.
“This protocol will ensure that child victims receive justice without further harm. Our collaboration with the Lagos State Government demonstrates what is possible when stakeholders unite with a common goal”, Ijimakinwa said.
Also addressing participants, the Founder of Cece Yara Foundation, Mrs. Bola Tinubu, explained that the real victory against child sexual abuse lies in the consistent and collective actions of society.
“Every child deserves to be heard in a safe and supportive environment. This initiative equips professionals with the tools to listen, understand, and act in the best interest of the child,” she stated.
Mrs. Tinubu further emphasised that beyond launching protocols and training experts, every individual has a role to play in safeguarding children.
The high point of the event was the presentation of certificates to the newly certified forensic interviewers, a cohort of trained professionals equipped to conduct sensitive child interviews in accordance with global best practices.
The event was well attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Judiciary, Lagos State MDAs, Nigeria Police Force, Child Protection Services, and Civil Society Organisations
