The Ogun State Government has called for the establishment of a designated court to handle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases, as the state recorded 502 incidents of abuse between January and November 2025—figures officials describe as a growing crisis demanding urgent legal reform.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, made the call in Abeokuta after an advocacy walk held in commemoration of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The walk featured the First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, Deputy Governor of the state, Noimot Salako-Oyedele ; members of the Spouses of Government Functionaries (SOGSFA), religious bodies and various civil society groups.
Adeleye said the rising cases—ranging from sexual assault, domestic violence and child molestation to digital harassment and intimate partner violence—reinforced the need for faster trials, stronger deterrents and a more responsive justice system.
She disclosed that 120 of the 502 cases were handled through the state’s Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), while others were reported through local offices and partner organisations.
“These figures are deeply troubling,” she said.
“They reflect both the persistence of violence and the increasing willingness of survivors to report. But they also show the limitations of our justice system, because many victims still suffer silently due to fear, stigma and pressure from family members.”
Adeleye noted a worrying rise in technology-driven abuse, warning that perpetrators now exploit digital platforms to harass, manipulate, extort and impersonate victims, especially young girls.
“This year’s theme, Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls, is timely,” she said.
“Technology has created a new frontier for violence. Many young people are now vulnerable to cyberbullying, online grooming, sextortion and emotional manipulation.”
The Commissioner highlighted interventions supported by the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project and UNFPA, including: strengthening and equipping Sexual Assault Referral Centres : expanding temporary shelters for survivors ; capacity-building for law enforcement, health workers, teachers and social workers on digital safety ; Large-scale community sensitisation in urban and rural areas; and strengthened Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) to address consent, personal safety and digital responsibility
Adeleye said religious leaders, traditional rulers, schools and communities were being mobilised to dismantle harmful cultural norms that normalise violence.
Despite these efforts, Adeleye lamented persistent institutional bottlenecks, including slow judicial processes, poor coordination among agencies, interference from families of perpetrators and inadequate survivor support services.
She cited a recent case involving the defilement of two minors, where the suspect remains at large despite medical evidence.
“That case is a painful reminder of systemic lapses,” she said.
“Survivors deserve swift justice, not prolonged trauma.”
Adeleye called for sweeping reforms, including: a designated court for GBV cases to ensure speedy and specialised trials; making rape a non-bailable offence, noting that bail often leads to intimidation of survivors; and introducing safe termination options for victims of rape and incest
“The law must prioritise survivors,” she insisted. “Delays and loopholes embolden perpetrators.”
The Commissioner urged parents, teachers, community leaders and digital platforms to take a more active role in preventing abuse and protecting children from online dangers. She also encouraged men to serve as allies in challenging harmful societal norms.
“Gender-based violence is not a women’s issue alone—it is a community crisis,” she said.
Adeleye assured survivors that the state will continue to strengthen its toll-free lines, shelters and response centres.
“We remain committed to building a society where women and girls live without fear,” she said.
“Ending GBV demands stronger laws, coordinated action and unwavering accountability.”
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