Charles Esther
The Lagos State Government has officially launched the Child Sexual Abuse Investigative and Interview Protocol, a framework designed to enhance justice delivery for children who have suffered sexual abuse.
The launch, held in Lagos, was addressed by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, who described the initiative as a major step toward safeguarding children’s rights and dignity in the justice system.
Collaboration With Key Partners
Pedro praised the efforts of partners such as the Cece Yara Foundation and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme for supporting the transformation of the concept into a practical framework.
He highlighted that the protocol ensures that the testimonies of abused children are treated with seriousness and care, guiding legal decisions by facts rather than emotions.
Ensuring Sensitivity and Justice
“This protocol is vital for our children because when a child speaks about abuse, their words must be taken seriously,” Pedro stated.
He added that children’s experiences should be handled with utmost sensitivity to avoid secondary trauma and ensure that justice is achieved effectively.
Vision Realised by Cece Yara Foundation
Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, CEO of the Cece Yara Foundation, described the launch as the fulfilment of the foundation’s vision.
She noted that insufficient forensic interviewing in the past often caused additional trauma for victims and, in some cases, led to miscarriages of justice.
A Voice for Children
Mrs Bola Tinubu, founder of the Cece Yara Foundation, called the protocol “a voice for children”, emphasizing that the foundation exists to ensure children are heard, protected, and granted the justice they deserve.
The protocol marks a significant milestone in Lagos State’s efforts to strengthen child protection and ensure accountable justice for sexual abuse victims.
