GROUP PETITIONS LAGOS AG OVER ‘QUESTIONABLE RELEASE’ OF SUSPECTS IN CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE CASES
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
A child rights advocacy group, Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network (ACVPN), has urged the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), to urgently investigate what it described as the “questionable release” and alleged mishandling of several child sexual abuse cases by a prosecutor.
In a petition submitted to the Attorney General at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja, the group accused a prosecutor attached to Magistrate Court 1, Agbowa, Ikorodu, of actions it said were undermining justice in multiple cases involving minors.
“We are deeply concerned that the actions of the prosecutor in these cases appear to undermine due process and deny justice to vulnerable victims,” the group stated.
The petition, signed by the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Ebenezer Omejalile, expressed outrage over the reported release of a suspect allegedly caught sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in Ikorodu and later charged in court in October 2025.
According to the group, the suspect was released without the knowledge of the complainant.
“The release of the suspect without informing the complainant raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and adherence to due process,” ACVPN said.
The group also referenced another case involving a man described as a “notorious land grabber,” who was accused of sexually abusing his daughter in a matter filed in 2023.
It alleged that the case was stalled after the suspect’s release under what it termed “false pretences,” with the prosecutor reportedly describing it as a family issue.
“It is disturbing that a grave allegation of sexual abuse involving a minor could be trivialised as a ‘family matter’ in open court,” the group added.
In a separate case, ACVPN raised concerns over the bail granted to a sports presenter charged in November 2025 with alleged assault by penetration involving a minor.
The group criticised the decision to grant bail in January 2026 while awaiting legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
“Granting bail in the face of what we consider glaring medical evidence sends the wrong signal and could weaken confidence in the justice system,” it stated.
ACVPN also alleged attempts to obstruct justice, including pressure on the victim’s family and the conduct of an unauthorised second medical examination.
The petition further cited a case involving a 44-year-old man (names withheld) accused of defiling and impregnating his stepdaughter in Ikotun.
The group claimed that community leaders and others had attempted to pressure the victim’s family to withdraw the case.
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“There are reports of threats and inducements aimed at silencing the victim’s family. This is unacceptable and must be addressed urgently,” ACVPN said.
“Subjecting a minor to a second, unauthorised medical examination amounts to secondary abuse and must be thoroughly investigated,” it added.
ACVPN warned that such developments could erode public confidence in the justice system and embolden perpetrators of sexual violence against children.
“If these issues are not urgently addressed, they risk eroding public confidence in the justice system and encouraging impunity,” the group stated.
The organisation called on the Attorney General to launch a comprehensive investigation into the conduct of the prosecutor and ensure accountability.
“We call for immediate intervention to protect victims and witnesses from intimidation. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” it added.
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