Mrs. Adaku Mbama,a legal practitioner, has called for greater respect for the principle of consent and faster judicial processes in the prosecution of sexual offence cases, saying timely justice is essential to protecting survivors and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s legal system.
Mbama said respect for consent should remain central to efforts to prevent sexual violence, urging individuals, institutions and communities to promote greater awareness of legal and ethical standards governing personal relationships.
According to her, prolonged delays in the investigation and prosecution of sexual offence cases can discourage survivors from reporting incidents and undermine confidence in the justice system. She called for reforms to improve case management and ensure that cases are handled more efficiently.
Mbama emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, the judiciary, healthcare professionals and social service providers to ensure survivors receive comprehensive legal, medical and psychosocial support throughout the justice process.
She also advocated increased public education on the concept of consent, describing it as a critical component of preventing sexual violence and promoting respect for individual rights. She said awareness campaigns should target schools, workplaces and communities to foster a better understanding of consent and encourage responsible behavior.
The lawyer further urged relevant authorities to strengthen institutional capacity by providing specialized training for police officers, prosecutors and judicial officers handling sexual offence cases. Such capacity building, she said, would improve investigations, evidence management and survivor-centered approaches while safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.
Legal and human rights experts have consistently emphasized that timely investigations, fair trials and effective prosecution are essential to ensuring accountability while protecting the rights of both complainants and defendants. They also stress the importance of preserving the dignity, privacy and safety of survivors throughout legal proceedings.
Mbama called on policymakers to continue strengthening laws and institutions responsible for addressing sexual offences, noting that sustained judicial reforms and improved access to justice are necessary to build public confidence in the legal system.
She said a coordinated approach involving government agencies, civil society organizations, legal practitioners and community leaders would help create a justice system that is more responsive, efficient and capable of addressing sexual violence while upholding the rule of law.
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