NAPTIP Urges Legal Action on Sexual Violence Cases

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued a warning against out-of-court settlements for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases, asserting that these matters must be addressed through the judicial system. Vincent Adekoye, NAPTIP’s Head of Media and Public Relations, made this statement during a mentorship programme for the state SGBV Media Corps in Abuja, which was sponsored by the European Union and International IDEA.

Adekoye highlighted that only a court of competent jurisdiction can make binding decisions in criminal cases and cautioned against informal arrangements that could hinder justice. He called for coordinated efforts among stakeholders, including law enforcement and community leaders, to combat SGBV effectively.

Adekoye also urged journalists to report on these issues with professionalism, accuracy, and sensitivity, particularly in protecting the identities of survivors. He emphasized the need for media practitioners to investigate systemic challenges and hold authorities accountable for their roles in preventing SGBV.