…corruption and informal settlements in SGBV cases erode the effectiveness of the Sexual Offenders Register.
Awka, Anambra State — The iNews Times | Stakeholders in the justice and human rights sectors in Anambra State are calling for more coordinated and robust use of the Sexual Offenders Register as part of efforts to tackle Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across the state.
The call came during a one-day engagement themed “Strengthening Institutional Use of the Sexual Offenders Register”, held in Awka. The event brought together officials from the Ministry of Justice, judiciary, police, correctional services, and civil society organisations. The programme was implemented under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, with support from International IDEA.
Participants stressed the need for all relevant institutions, especially law enforcement agencies, to take full responsibility in maintaining an accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date Sexual Offenders Register. They emphasised that proper documentation of offenders is critical to curbing the prevalence of SGBV in the state.
Speakers highlighted the importance of government support for SGBV management, calling for adequate funding to provide forensic kits, psychosocial services, and victim support. They argued that without proper resources, the Sexual Offenders Register risks becoming ineffective, undermining efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
Isa Abdulkareem, the Register Contact Person for the National Sexual Offenders Register, underscored the role of the police beyond record-keeping. He urged law enforcement to work closely with agencies such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and service providers under the SPARK initiative to ensure offenders are properly documented in real time.
“Collaboration is key,” Abdulkareem said, “because delayed or inaccurate records reduce the impact of the register and compromise justice for victims.”
Stakeholders also warned that corruption and informal settlements in SGBV cases erode the effectiveness of the Sexual Offenders Register. Upholding professionalism, integrity, and accountability in handling sexual violence cases was described as non-negotiable for law enforcement agencies.
Dr. Josephine Onah, State Coordinator of the RoLAC Programme, noted that the engagement was designed to strengthen institutional understanding of the register and enhance its operational use in fighting SGBV.
Justice Peace Otti of the Anambra State Special Court praised RoLAC for supporting the creation of special magistrate and high courts dedicated to GBV cases. She revealed that the court now devotes two days weekly to GBV matters, a move that has accelerated justice delivery for victims.
Justice Otti called for more proactive interventions to eliminate sexual violence, particularly against minors, which she described as “unacceptable in any society.” However, she expressed optimism that increased attention and coordinated interventions were beginning to reduce the frequency of such cases.
From the civil society perspective, SPARK State Coordinator Rachael Yohana raised concerns over police out-of-court settlements that prevent verified SGBV offenders from being entered into the register. Similarly, NAPTIP State Commandant Judith Ibadin emphasised that no verified case should go undocumented, urging law enforcement and civil society to ensure thorough compliance.
The engagement also reviewed the roles and responsibilities of key actors, highlighting the Sexual Offenders Register as a tool for accountability, deterrence, and public safety. Stakeholders recommended strategic advocacy targeting the police and NAPTIP to strengthen the monitoring and follow-up of cases, ensuring offenders are properly recorded.
On inclusivity, Chairman of the Disability Rights Commission, Barrister Chuks Ezewuzie, advocated for the government sponsorship of DNA testing. He argued that scientific evidence would improve prosecution outcomes, particularly in cases involving persons with disabilities, where accurate documentation can be life-changing.
At the conclusion of the session, participants agreed to intensify advocacy efforts to ensure the Sexual Offenders Register becomes a fully functional tool in Anambra’s fight against sexual and gender-based violence. They emphasised that effective implementation would require collaboration across government, civil society, and law enforcement to secure justice for victims and prevent repeat offenses.
With these renewed calls for action, Anambra State stakeholders have sent a clear message: strengthening the Sexual Offenders Register is no longer optional it is central to protecting vulnerable populations and achieving meaningful progress in combating SGBV.
