A prominent human rights organization has raised serious allegations against several police divisions in Lagos State, accusing officers of routinely mishandling domestic violence cases and prioritizing bail payments over justice for victims.
In a press briefing, Comrade Prince Saviour Iche, President of the Ambassadors of Peace and Enlightenment Foundation, called out the Isheri and Ejigbo Police Divisions, as well as the Zone D Command in Mushin, for what he described as “gross neglect” in the handling of domestic abuse reports.
“Too often, victims are pressured to settle out of court, and perpetrators are released with little to no investigation,” Iche stated. “This not only denies survivors the justice they deserve but also emboldens abusers to continue their actions without fear of consequence.”
Shocking Cases of Abuse Ignored
The organization cited two recent cases as examples of police failure. In one, a young female apprentice was reportedly subjected to repeated physical and emotional abuse by her boss. The situation escalated when she was forced to kneel on a busy road in public view. A concerned advocate intervened and filed a report at the police station, only for the matter to be “settled” within hours, with no proper investigation conducted.
In another instance, a woman who sustained severe injuries after being beaten by her husband reported the incident to the Isheri Police Division. Instead of pursuing justice, officers allegedly urged her to forgive her abuser. The husband was released after paying bail, and the victim was reportedly treated poorly for being unable to cover police bond fees.
“These are not isolated incidents,” Iche emphasized. “There is a dangerous pattern of negligence and intimidation that discourages victims from seeking help. Worse still, it undermines the Protection Against Domestic Violence Law (2007), which mandates protection and justice for victims of abuse.”
Law Enforcement’s Role Questioned
The human rights advocate criticized some Investigation Police Officers (IPOs) and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) for prioritizing financial gain over justice. “Police officers are supposed to protect the vulnerable, not re-traumatize them,” he said.
According to Iche, some officers deliberately sideline human rights advocates and mediate biased settlements that leave victims vulnerable to continued abuse. “Rather than forwarding these cases to court with evidence, officers often intimidate victims into silence or reconciliation, nullifying the entire essence of justice.”
A Call to Action
The Foundation, which often funds legal support for survivors from its own limited resources, is demanding immediate action from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh.
“We urge CP Jimoh to investigate these claims and bring erring officers to book,” said Iche. “Isheri and Ejigbo Police Divisions must be held accountable. If officers tasked with enforcing the law are found enabling abuse, they must face disciplinary measures.”
The organization warned that without proper accountability, domestic violence cases will continue to rise, as victims lose faith in the justice system.
The Way Forward
Domestic violence remains a pressing issue across Nigeria. Under the Protection Against Domestic Violence Law, survivors are entitled to legal recourse and protective orders. Advocates stress that these rights can only be upheld when law enforcement agencies take their duties seriously.
“Justice should not be a privilege accessed through bail bonds. It is a right,” Iche concluded. “We will not stop calling out impunity. Survivors deserve better.”
