Emma Elekwa
Stakeholders in Anambra State’s justice sector have urged for more coordinated action to ensure the effective use of the Sexual Offenders Register as part of efforts to tackle Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The call was made during a one-day engagement on “Strengthening Institutional Use of the Sex Offenders Register,” held in Awka on Friday for officials from the Ministry of Justice, judiciary, police, correctional services and civil society organisations.
The programme was implemented by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) with support from International IDEA.
Participants stressed the need for law enforcement agencies and relevant institutions to maintain an accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date Sexual Offenders Register.
They also called on the government to provide adequate funding for SGBV case management, including support for victims, forensic kits and psychosocial services.
The Register Contact Person for the National Sexual Offenders Register, Mr Isa Abdulkareem, said that beyond record-keeping, the police must collaborate with other agencies to strengthen SGBV case management.
He emphasized the need to work closely with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and service providers under the SPARK initiative to ensure timely documentation of offenders.
Stakeholders also charged the police to uphold professionalism, accountability and integrity in handling SGBV cases.
They warned that corruption and informal settlements undermine justice and weaken the effectiveness of the register.
Dr Josephine Onah, State Coordinator of the RoLAC Programme, said the engagement aimed to deepen stakeholders’ understanding and strengthen the operational use of the register as a tool for curbing SGBV in the state.
Sexual and Gender-based violence, Unacceptable Acts
Also speaking, Justice Peace Otti of the Anambra State Special Court commended RoLAC for supporting the establishment of special magistrate and high courts dedicated to GBV cases.
Otti noted that allocating two days weekly to GBV matters has significantly improved the speed of justice delivery for victims.
She urged stakeholders to take proactive measures to eliminate sexual violence, particularly against minors, describing such acts as unacceptable.
She, however, expressed optimism that increased attention and interventions are beginning to reduce such cases.
From a civil society perspective, SPARK State Coordinator, Mrs Rachael Yohana expressed concern that police out-of-court settlements in SGBV cases often prevent offenders from being entered into the register.
NAPTIP State Commandant Mrs Judith Ibadin called for ensuring that no verified case goes undocumented.
The engagement also reviewed the roles and responsibilities of key actors in strengthening the register as a tool for accountability and deterrence.
Mr Chuks Ezewuzie, Chairman of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), advocated for government-sponsored DNA testing to ensure accurate evidence and improve prosecution outcomes, especially for persons with disabilities.
At the end of the session, participants agreed to intensify advocacy efforts directed at the police and NAPTIP to support civil society organisations in tracking and following up on SGBV cases while ensuring offenders are properly documented in the Sexual Offenders Register.
