Lagos State Child Sexual Abuse Investigative and Interview Protocol was launched on Thursday as part of efforts to ensure better justice for children sexually abused in the state.

Speaking at the launch of the protocol, the Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Lagos, Lawal Pedro, not only emphasised the importance of the protocol in ensuring justice for children who are sexually abused, but also stated that children deserve a justice system that listens to them with dignity and operates within the rule of law.

Commending all the partners, including CeCe Yara Foundation, Rule of Law, and Anti-corruption, for helping to bring the idea to life, the commissioner was optimistic that the protocol, the state government has moved from idea to delivery in promoting justice for abused children.

He emphasised that it is very important for children because when a child talks about abuse, his or her words should be taken seriously and appropriately, so that decisions are based on facts and not sentiments.

Pedro stated that Lagos State remains committed to justice reform and the protection of children’s rights.

He noted that the launch of the protocol has set a new standard for justice in Lagos, urging stakeholders to commit to the successful implementation of the protocol.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ceceyera Foundation, Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, said the launch of the protocol is a dream that was conceived when Ceceyera was launched and is happy that it has come to fruition. She appreciated all those who contributed to making the launch a success.

She noted that poor forensic interviewing processes often result in sexually abused children experiencing secondary trauma and injustice.

On her part, the founder of Ceceyera Foundation, Mrs Bola Tinubu, said it is the launch of a voice for children, noting that her foundation was formed to ensure children’s voices matter and that they receive justice.

She observed that the present process that sexually abused children go through in the quest for justice is traumatising, as it undermines prosecution.

Tinubu said this was why the idea of an interviewing protocol became important and was established.
She noted that with the launch, Lagos State becomes the first in Nigeria to have a forensic interviewing protocol for sexually abused children, which is a bold step towards better justice.

She further stated that it is about a system that works for children, although stakeholders must view it as the beginning, not the end.