…Strengthens Prosecutors’ Capacity to Handle Child Sexual Abuse Cases
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through its Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), in collaboration with the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, has commenced a two-day training for prosecutors in the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
The high impact training themed “Advanced Prosecutorial Training on Child Sexual Abuse Forensic Interviewing and Child-Friendly Justice System”, holding from Thursday 10th to Friday 11th September, 2026, at the Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Magodo is intended to strength
prosecutors understanding of Child Rights,Child development,trauma and improve the practical application of the Lagos State Child Sexual Abuse Investigative Procedures.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, described the training as an important step towards strengthening the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases in Lagos State.
He noted that such cases require specialised knowledge, professionalism and sensitivity, with emphasis on protecting the dignity and wellbeing of the child while preserving the integrity of evidence.
Mr. Oyenuga stressed the importance of collaboration among key institutions within the justice chain, including the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the Police, Judiciary, forensic and medical professionals and other relevant stakeholders.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the significance of the proposed 90-day workplace practicum and compliance monitoring, noting that the initiative would help translate knowledge gained during the training into institutional practice and strengthen the pool of prosecutors with specialised expertise in handling child sexual abuse cases.
Speaking at the welcome address,the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Adebayo Haroun, highlighted the importance of proper forensic interviewing and early prosecutorial involvement in child sexual abuse cases, noting that these are critical to obtaining reliable evidence and ensuring effective case management.
He emphasised the need for prosecutors to understand the proper evaluation and use of forensic, medical and DNA evidence, as well as appropriate courtroom measures for protecting child witnesses.
Haroun expressed optimism that the training would strengthen prosecutors’ practical skills and contribute to improved investigation, case preparation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases in Lagos State.
Whilst identifying the key principles of child-friendly justice system ,the Chief Executive Officer of the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, Mrs. Olabisi Ajayi-kayode, emphasised that child-friendly justice should not be regarded as a special favour or preferential treatment for children, but as a fundamental right of every child.
She stressed the importance of equipping prosecutors with the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively engage child survivors, particularly in the areas of forensic interviewing, trauma and memory. According to her, a properly conducted interview can help obtain reliable evidence while minimising the risk of further trauma to the child.
Mrs. Ajayi-kayode expressed confidence that the training would strengthen prosecutors’ capacity to handle child sexual abuse cases and contribute to a justice system that protects the rights, dignity and wellbeing of every child.
The 2 day training will feature sessions on child-friendly justice, child development, trauma and memory, trauma-informed prosecution, forensic interviewing and practical case studies.
Participants will also examine prosecutorial practice, courtroom protection, forensic and DNA evidence, early prosecutor involvement, case conferencing and effective communication, culminating in the development of a 90-day action plan to support the practical implementation of lessons from the training.
Other dignitaries at the event includes the Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, and the Director-General of the Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Mr. Kunmilola Adio- Moses, amongst other stakeholders.
