Breaking the Silence, Building Justice: Reforming Nigeria’s Response to Sexual Violence

Abubakar Muhammad jibril; Mu'adil Faizin; Zainul-Abideen Uthman; Binta Adamu Abdullahi; Ummi Ibrahim Tafida

Breaking the Silence, Building Justice: Reforming Nigeria’s Response to Sexual Violence

Authors

Abubakar Muhammad jibril Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
Mu'adil Faizin Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia
Zainul-Abideen Uthman Hijra Center for Justice and Human Dignity, Nigeria
Binta Adamu Abdullahi Islamic University in Niger, Niger
Ummi Ibrahim Tafida Islamic University in Niger, Niger

Keywords:

Access to Justice, Criminal Justice Reform, Nigeria, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abstract

The article addresses the urgent need to reform Nigeria's criminal justice system to be positioned to combat sexual violence and promote inclusive national development. An estimated two million girls and women are raped in Nigeria annually, yet survivors are typically stigmatized, discriminated against, and face systemic barriers to accessing justice. Using doctrinal legal analysis, the paper contrasts and compares the main legal frameworks, the Criminal Code, Penal Code, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015, with state laws, exposing significant gaps and loopholes, such as narrow definitions of rape, uneven enforcement, and inadequate accountability. Although some states have domesticated the Child Rights Act and the VAPP Act, protection remains patchy nationwide. This paper calls for the harmonization of legal frameworks, the removal of spousal rape exemptions, and the passage of comprehensive sexual violence legislation. It also calls for the provision of survivor support services, such as shelters, counseling, and legal aid, and a national sex offender registry with accelerated prosecution timelines. Bringing Nigerian laws into line with Sustainable Development Goal 5.2 and democratic ideals is crucial for ensuring justice, promoting gender equality, and fostering equitable and sustainable development

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Breaking the Silence, Building Justice: Reforming Nigeria’s Response to Sexual Violence