Lagos Records 33,009 Domestic Violence Cases Since 2021

Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, disclosed that the state recorded 33,009 cases of domestic and sexual violence between September 2021 and July 2026. Domestic violence accounted for 13,515 cases, while other reported incidents included 1,171 cases of defilement, 797 cases of child abuse and physical assault, 420 rape cases, and 428 sexual harassment cases.

A concerning finding was that 10,613 children suffered emotional abuse due to exposure to domestic violence. Pedro provided a breakdown of reported cases: 1,075 cases from September to December 2021, 5,929 in 2022, 6,389 in 2023, 7,882 in 2024, 7,721 in 2025, and 4,013 cases as of July 2026.

He noted a 23.6% decline in reported cases but cautioned against interpreting this as a true reduction in prevalence. The government has provided free legal support to 175 survivors and ensured access to treatment for sexual assault survivors through hospitals.