Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has called on the judiciary to give urgent attention to cases of sexual violence, urging all stakeholders to eliminate delays and fast-track trials to ensure justice for survivors.
Justice Dipeolu, represented by Justice Adedokun Jibodu, made the call while delivering the keynote address, titled “Strengthening Legal Pathways for Survivors of Sexual Violence”, at a women empowerment programme organised by Headforth Foundation tagged “Justice For Survivors of Sexual Violence”.
She stressed that sexual violence is not only a physical crime but an assault on human dignity, quoting Justice Chima Nweze, who described such acts as “a fundamental assault on human dignity.”
Highlighting the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of Ogun State (2017), the Chief Judge said the law provides a strong platform to combat sexual violence, but all stakeholders must strengthen the legal process to ensure timely justice.
“The judiciary has a duty to eliminate delay. Cases of sexual violence must be prioritised. We must use provisions for in-camera trials and screened testimony to protect survivors from intimidation. Our rulings must reflect the seriousness of the crime and the legislature’s intent,” she said.
Justice Dipeolu also called on lawyers to offer pro bono services, guide survivors through the legal process, and hold the system accountable for its failures. She reminded legal practitioners that justice must be impartial and accessible to all, irrespective of the status of the accused.
The Chief Judge urged the police to establish Gender Desks, ensuring a sensitive and swift response to cases, while emphasizing the importance of evidence preservation, empathetic statements, and urgent investigations. She also noted the role of the Police Medical Form as a critical piece of evidence and called on hospitals to maintain high standards of care and forensic support.
Recognising the efforts of civil society, Justice Dipeolu called for broader collaboration with NGOs, religious and community leaders to dismantle the culture of silence, preach against victim-blaming, and create a safe environment for survivors.
Speaking at the event, Programme Manager of Headforth Foundation, Oluwakemi Adenekan, highlighted the challenges survivors face in accessing justice, citing fear of stigma and lack of knowledge of legal procedures as major barriers. She added that the foundation partners with organisations such as FIDA, African Women Development Fund, and Gender Development Initiatives to educate women, especially in remote areas, about accessing justice.
Other speakers at the programme included Prof. Olubunmi Ashimolowo, Executive Director of Gender Development Initiative; Mrs Oluwatoyin Orelaja, Centre Manager, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Sagamu; and Mrs Taiwo Olusesi, Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers. Representatives of the police also contributed to discussions.
Justice Dipeolu concluded by reaffirming the judiciary’s role in protecting the vulnerable, reinforcing the rule of law, and ensuring that survivors of sexual violence can access justice without fear or delay.
