… clamours for a united continental action against ritual abuse and sacrifice.
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the Sudreau Global Justice Institute, Pepperdine University, USA, has hosted the Inaugural 2025 Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA. The event, themed “A United Front Against Ritual Abuse and Sacrifice,” brought together leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in the justice system.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro SAN, described the program as a “continental call to conscience and an urgent movement to reclaim the sanctity of human life in Africa.
He called for a united continental action against ritual abuse and human sacrifice, emphasizing that the time has come for Africa to confront these crimes with courage, coordination, and conviction.
Pedro also stated that ritual abuse and human sacrifice are no longer myths or isolated incidents but expanding criminal enterprises destroying lives across communities.
“Too often, these crimes are treated as customs shrouded in silence and buried by fear,but silence has never protected the vulnerable; silence only protects the oppressor.”
Citing recent tragic cases, the AG recounted several incidents across Nigeria, including the abduction and murder of two seven-year-old cousins, Chizaram and Chidinma Onuche, in Port Harcourt; the ritual killing of a 23-year-old student by a cleric in Ilorin; and the arrest of two pastors found with coffins and human skulls in Rivers State.
Pedro referenced a data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicating that over 150 ritual killings were recorded in Nigeria within six months, many involving young persons deceived by the lure of “quick wealth.”
He noted that between 2022 and 2024, over 4,753 victims of trafficking were rescued and supported by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), whose Commander serves as Co-Chair of the Lagos Task Force.
He added that the State has expanded its shelters to support survivors, including minors and persons with disabilities; reached over five million residents through awareness campaigns; trained 109 community anti-trafficking advocates; and provided psychosocial and reintegration support to hundreds of survivors.
Highlighting one of the State’s most recent legal milestones, the Attorney General recalled the enactment of the Lagos State Organ Harvesting Prohibition Law 2024, which criminalises the removal, sale, or trafficking of human organs under any guise.
The law imposes stringent penalties on offenders, including medical practitioners and criminal syndicates involved in organ trafficking.
The AG emphasized that the fight against human trafficking cannot be won by any nation alone, calling for stronger regional collaboration and unity across Africa.
Concluding his address, Pedro urged delegates to use the two-day colloquium to strengthen partnerships and reaffirm their shared commitment to protecting human dignity, stating that only through unity and cooperation can Africa safeguard its most vulnerable and uphold the value of human life.