By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

Prosecutors handling sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases have been tasked not to abandon investigations or prosecutions because of pressure from family members, community leaders or other parties seeking to compromise justice.

The Head of the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Unit at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Yewande Gbola-Awopetu, said prosecutors must explore all available legal provisions to ensure that perpetrators do not escape accountability when families or other interested parties attempt to withdraw or compromise cases.

She made the call in an interview on the sidelines of a four-day multi-agency Training of Trainers on strengthening survivor-centred SGBV investigation, prosecution and justice outcomes.

Gbola-Awopetu explained that SGBV cases should not automatically collapse because a survivor or family member becomes unwilling to cooperate, stressing that prosecutors must examine other available evidence and lawful means of sustaining prosecution.

She identified medical reports, investigation records, video recordings and other admissible evidence as important materials prosecutors could rely on, depending on the circumstances of each case.

According to her, Section 83(1)(b) of the Evidence Act also provides for the admissibility of certain statements where their makers are unavailable, subject to the conditions prescribed by law.

She further warned that attempts by community leaders, religious organisations, family members or other individuals to obstruct justice could attract legal consequences under relevant provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Penal Code.

The ministry official stressed that anyone who interferes with the prosecution of SGBV cases must be held accountable in accordance with the law, rather than being allowed to undermine the pursuit of justice through pressure or compromise.

She said specialised training was essential to equip prosecutors with the legal knowledge and practical skills required to identify evidential options, withstand interference and ensure that SGBV cases receive appropriate legal attention.

Gbola-Awopetu called for stronger institutional support for prosecutors, noting that effective prosecution requires not only legal expertise but also the resources and psychological support needed to handle the difficult nature of SGBV cases.

The training was organised by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) under the EU Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (ESGBV) Programme in Nigeria.