RismadarVoice Reporters
October 16, 2026
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Jigawa State branch, has raised serious concerns over the absence of forensic laboratories in the state, warning that the situation is frustrating the investigation and prosecution of rape and other sexual violence cases.
The association said inadequate access to scientific evidence had continued to weaken the ability of prosecutors to establish allegations of sexual assault in court, thereby creating additional obstacles for survivors seeking justice.
The Chairman of the Jigawa State branch of the NBA, Barrister Hamza Umar, expressed the concerns during a two-day policy dialogue organised by the CLEEN Foundation, with support from the Norwegian Embassy in Nigeria.
The event, held in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, brought together stakeholders to examine challenges affecting the implementation of laws designed to prevent sexual and gender-based violence.
Umar explained that the absence of forensic facilities made it difficult for investigators and prosecutors to obtain scientific evidence that could strengthen sexual assault cases.
According to him, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors frequently depend on confessional statements and other available evidence, which may be challenged during judicial proceedings.
He warned that the lack of modern investigative facilities could undermine successful prosecution, particularly where suspects deny allegations or where available evidence is insufficient to establish the offence beyond reasonable doubt.
The NBA chairman therefore called for urgent government intervention to improve forensic investigation capabilities and strengthen the administration of criminal justice in the state.
NBA RAISES CONCERNS OVER IMPLEMENTATION OF VAPP LAW
Umar also criticised what he described as the failure to fully implement provisions of Jigawa State’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
He specifically raised concerns about the alleged non-publication of the names of persons convicted of rape, which he said was provided for under the state’s legislation.
According to him, the relevant provision had not been implemented despite the law having been in force for several years.
The VAPP Law, signed into law in Jigawa State on February 24, 2021, was introduced to strengthen legal protections against rape, sexual assault, physical abuse and other forms of violence.
The legislation is intended to provide a framework for preventing violence, protecting survivors and ensuring that offenders are held accountable through established legal processes.
However, stakeholders at the dialogue expressed concern that gaps in enforcement, funding and institutional capacity continued to limit the law’s effectiveness.
They stressed that passing legislation alone was insufficient without the facilities, trained personnel and administrative structures required for effective implementation.
STAKEHOLDERS DEMAND FIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT REFERRAL CENTRES
Participants at the dialogue called on the Jigawa State Government to establish at least five Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the state’s five emirate zones.
They said the centres would improve access to medical attention, counselling, documentation of injuries, referral services and other forms of support for survivors of sexual violence.
The proposed facilities would also help strengthen cooperation among healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and organisations providing survivor assistance.
Stakeholders maintained that accessible referral centres were particularly important for victims living in rural communities, where specialised medical and legal services may be difficult to obtain.
They urged the government to ensure that the proposed centres were properly equipped and staffed by trained professionals capable of handling sexual assault cases with confidentiality and sensitivity.
CULTURAL BELIEFS, FAMILY PRESSURE DISCOURAGE REPORTING
Beyond the shortage of forensic facilities, participants identified cultural and religious attitudes as additional challenges affecting the reporting and prosecution of sexual violence cases.
They expressed concern that some survivors were discouraged from reporting abuse because of stigma, fear of public embarrassment or pressure from family and community members.
According to the stakeholders, some families preferred to resolve sexual assault allegations through informal arrangements rather than reporting them to law enforcement authorities.
They warned that such practices could prevent survivors from accessing appropriate medical and legal assistance while allowing serious allegations to remain outside the formal justice system.
The participants called for sustained public enlightenment to encourage reporting, protect survivors from intimidation and promote greater understanding of their legal rights.
They also emphasised the need for community leaders, religious institutions and civil society organisations to support efforts aimed at preventing sexual and gender-based violence.
CLEEN FOUNDATION SEEKS STRONGER IMPLEMENTATION OF LAW
Earlier, the Senior Programme Officer of the CLEEN Foundation, Olaniyi Olumayowa, explained that the policy dialogue was organised to identify and address gaps between the enactment of the VAPP Law and its practical implementation.
He said the legislation was intended not only to punish offenders but also to protect survivors, provide access to appropriate remedies and strengthen institutional accountability.
Olumayowa stressed that effective implementation required cooperation among government agencies, law enforcement institutions, healthcare providers, legal practitioners and civil society organisations.
He urged the Jigawa State Government to prioritise investment in forensic laboratories and other facilities needed to support the investigation of sexual violence.
The CLEEN Foundation official also called for the establishment of additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres and continuous training for personnel responsible for enforcing the law.
He maintained that adequate funding, institutional coordination and professional capacity development were essential to ensuring that survivors received appropriate support and that criminal allegations were properly investigated.
ACCESS TO SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE REMAINS A MAJOR CONCERN
Forensic examination can play an important role in sexual assault investigations by helping investigators collect, preserve and analyse biological and other physical evidence.
Such evidence may assist courts in assessing disputed facts and determining whether the prosecution has established its case.
However, forensic evidence is not an absolute legal requirement for securing a rape conviction in every case. Courts may consider credible testimony and other admissible evidence, depending on the circumstances and applicable law.
The absence of forensic laboratories can nevertheless make investigations more difficult, particularly in cases where scientific analysis could provide important corroboration.
The concerns raised by the NBA and other stakeholders highlight the need to strengthen investigative capacity while ensuring that survivors have access to medical care, legal assistance and protection from intimidation.
The dialogue concluded with renewed calls for the Jigawa State Government and relevant institutions to address the challenges affecting the implementation of the VAPP Law.
Participants maintained that improving forensic services, expanding survivor support facilities and strengthening public awareness would contribute to more effective responses to sexual and gender-based violence across the state.
