By Peter Omopo
30th August 2025
The Lagos State Government has disclosed that the state recorded 8,692 cases of domestic and sexual violence between August 2024 and July 2025.
The figure was released on Friday by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), during a media parley to mark the state’s annual Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month held every September.
Represented by the State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Hameed Oyenuga, Pedro said domestic violence accounted for 3,685 cases, making it the most prevalent offence in the year under review.
He revealed that survivors ranged from 18 months to 79 years old, underscoring that abuse cuts across all ages. The state, he stressed, remains committed to a zero-tolerance policy on sexual and gender-based violence.
During the period, Lagos secured over 140 convictions and issued six restraining orders. The breakdown of cases included 243 incidents of defilement, 244 of child abuse and physical assault, 99 of rape, 48 of sexual harassment, and 25 of sexual assault by penetration. In addition, there were 726 family-related disputes, 41 cyber harassment cases, and 32 threats to life.
Pedro also disclosed that 3,090 children exposed to domestic violence received counselling. He noted that 146 survivors were provided free legal representation, while all survivors of sexual assault accessed free medical care. The state further sheltered 30 individuals and offered therapy to 1,487 survivors and 249 perpetrators, while 13 persons with disabilities received specialised support.
On local government distribution, Alimosho, Eti-Osa, Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Oshodi-Isolo recorded the highest number of adult-related cases, while Ikorodu, Kosofe, Badagry, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo topped the list for child-related cases.
Pedro reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to protect residents, saying the administration would continue to strengthen its institutions and support services for survivors of gender-based violence.
