The Lagos State House of Assembly led by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa recently passed a bill to protect and assist victims of crimes and accidents.
The legislation also covers witnesses who
have genuine information which could help the effective prosecution of cases.
The Assembly explained that the bill seeks
to ensure a peaceful Lagos society in line with the state’s advancement.
The bill, which has 71 sections, is the
first to be passed by a State House of Assembly in Nigeria.
The legislation made provision for the
establishment of an agency that would assist in meeting its stipulations and
goals.
The bill which awaits the assent of
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has the following provisions:
- Provides assistance to victims and
witnesses including measures for treatment, reparation, restitution and
rehabilitation;
- Approves research into ways victims and
witnesses can be effectively treated, rehabilitated, assisted, compensated and
protected;
– Creates a conducive environment for
witnesses to make statements before law enforcement agencies without fear of
any repercussions;
– Provides compensation to victims or
witnesses for any physical or mental harm, loss or damages to property;
– A victim or witness can be provided with
security, temporary accommodation, permanent relocation, temporary or permanent
employment or change of identity;
– A victim or witness shall be protected
from unnecessary contact with the alleged offender and defence witnesses during
trial and proceedings;
– A victim or witness who suspects that
harm may be inflicted on him due to his participation in any investigation can
seek protection;
– Victims of accidents or crimes must be
assisted by the public or security agents and taken to the nearest hospital for
treatment;
– A hospital or facility that fails to
treat a victim can face a N1m fine. If the victim dies, the hospital or doctor
faces prosecution;
– A private hospital that receives an
accident victim must inform the agency within 48 hours for reimbursement of
expenses where family members are unknown or the victim is indigent.