The Chief Justice of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, at a two-day training programme held recently for Judges and Magistrates drawn from Family and Special Offences Courts (Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Courts), re-affirmed the Judiciary’s commitment towards ensuring best practices for the adjudication of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the State.
Speaking further at the event organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) in partnership with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IlDEA) held at the Raddison Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Alogba said the Lagos State Judiciary would continue to be trailblazers in criminal adjudication in the Country, adding that the Judiciary would continue to uphold and interpret the law judiciously.
The Chairman, Lagos State House Assembly Committee on Judiciary, Petition and LASIEC, Hon. Ladi Ajomale applauded the Judiciary for their continued efforts in entrenching the rule of law. He hailed the Judiciary for the launch of the Bail Information Management System (BIMS).
He stated that it would positively impact the information systems for cases in adjudication processes, assuring that the Legislative arm would continue to be in synergy with the Judiciary.
Also speaking at the event, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta Bey-Jeje, who was represented by Director, Office of the Public Defender, Mrs. Bunmi Adesomoju, said the Judiciary plays a critical role in the adjudication of sexual and gender-based cases and the decisions have a profound impact on the lives of the survivors hence the need for continuous and regular training.
“For a more just and equitable society for all, it is important for the judiciary to possess the knowledge and skills to adjudicate professionally which the training, comprising a wide range of topics, will avail”, she said.
Earlier in her welcome address, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi underscored the core requirements of the rule of law as good governance and a functioning justice system that carries out its duties fairly without bias or discrimination and is accessible to all.
Vivour-Adeniyi said recent findings revealed a need to embark on regular engagements with Judges and Magistrates to ensure that they are equipped with the latest information, techniques, and best practices, to enhance efficiency and access to justice processes.
State Project Coordinator of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) programme funded by the European Union and managed by IDEA, Ajibola Ijimakinwa said the ROLAC programme is geared towards strengthening the rule of law, curbing corruption and increasing access to justice for women, children and persons with disabilities.
