Kaduna, northwestern Nigeria: As cases of child abuse and violence against humans surged in Nigeria, the sexual and gender-based violence justice network urged authorities to establish forensic laboratory facilities that would speed up the process of prosecuting rapists across the country.
The network urges authorities to establish forensic laboratory facilities in Kaduna during a roundtable on best practices for the implementation of criminal justice law (AGJL) and the violence against persons prohibition law (VAPPL).
The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. Many rape suspects vehemently deny their crimes, often escaping apprehension when no concrete evidence is available. John Sako, a trustee of the Legal Awareness for Women (LANW) organisation, disclosed this while urging the Kaduna state government to expedite the construction of the forensic laboratory, a project initiated under El-Rufai’s administration.
The completion of this forensic laboratory is not just necessary; it is absolutely essential for the safety and well-being of victims. In a society where proving cases of rape often encounters daunting difficulties during examination, this facility will be a game-changer, Sako stated.
But I believe when authorities at all levels invest in this course, the forensic lab will be a solution for victims, which will also eradicate challenges of assault, injury, and even cases of denial of paternity,” Sako added.
However, Hannatu Ahuwan, the acting executive director of Legal Awareness for Women, also disclosed that the establishment will play a significant role in eradicating the menace of rape and all forms of abuse across the country, especially with rising cases that pose a significant threat to our generation.
According to her, the establishment will further increase the number of safer environments for women and children while also ensuring the effectiveness of the law, as all culprits will face the wrath of the law with no cause for alarm. She added
Earlier during the roundtable session, Mrs. Ayiku Ishaku, the head of special investigations and prosecutions at the Kaduna State Ministry of Justice, noted that the state justice ministry has been on track, especially in ensuring that gender-based violence victims get deserving justice.
Ishiaku added that we are sometimes limited in delivering justice, especially in a scenario where victims lack evidence to back their claims before the court of law.
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