The European Union (EU) funded Programme, Managing Conflict in Northeast Nigeria (MCN) has launched protocol to guide investigation and prosecution sexual and gender-related violence in Yobe State.
Sambo Abdulkadir, the EU, British Council’s Coordinator Yobe State stated in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Damaturu that, the launching was part of activities to mark the 16 days of activism against SGBV in the state.
He said the Standard Operating Procedure was developed by EU in collaboration with Yobe State Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police Force and the Sexual Assault Centre (SARC).
He added that the document would help in delivering services to the people as well as ensure effective coordination of response on SGBV in the state.
Barrister Saleh Samanja, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Yobe State commended British Council for the gesture.
“The Standard Operating Procedure for investigation, prosecution and effective coordination of Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) cases in Yobe State could not have come at a better time.
“The upsurge of incidences of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in recent times is a matter of serious concern. All efforts must be geared towards tackling this pandemic which has afflicted our societies.”
He added that this Operating Procedure would be of immense assistance to the Police, the State Counsel and even to the presiding Judges and Magistrates.
“It is hoped that the issued guidance contained in this book will minimize the problems of investigation and prosecution of Sexual Gender Based Violence.
“I strongly believe that the Police and State Counsel will find the book very useful in investigating and prosecuting such cases.
“It is hoped that a lot of improvement will be recorded in the investigation and prosecution of SGBV cases in Yobe state”, Samanja added.
