Violence Against Persons

This research critically examines Nigeria's legal and institutional responses to gender-based violence against women and femicide, evaluating the effectiveness of criminal law and human rights enforcement mechanisms. Despite progressive legislation including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and ratification of international instruments like CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol, systemic institutional failure persists across all levels of Nigeria's justice system. The research identifies interconnected challenges undermining enforcement: chronic resource constraints, deeply embedded patriarchal attitudes among criminal justice actors, pervasive corruption, victim withdrawal under social pressure, geographic inconsistencies in law implementation, inadequate data systems, and insufficient survivor support infrastructure. While civil society organizations like Mirabel Centre, WARIF, and STER have provided essential services to thousands of survivors, these successes remain isolated rather than systematic. The findings reveal a profound gap between law and reality that constitutes a moral failure, yet demonstrate that effective responses are achievable when political will, adequate resources, and coordinated action align. This research concludes that Nigerian women have waited long enough for justice, and that Nigeria possesses the capacity to do better if it makes the necessary political choices and resource commitments. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, "Violence against women is not inevitable"—it is a choice Nigeria can make differently.

The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP Act) of 2015 is a critical legislative framework in Nigeria aimed at advancing women's rights and combating gender-based violence (GBV). This study evaluates the effectiveness of the VAPP Act in addressing the pervasive issue of GBV, which remains a significant concern in Nigeria despite the Act's enactment. The research explores the Act's contributions, including its expansive definition of rape, prohibition of harmful traditional practices, and provisions for victim support and offender punishment. However, it identifies several challenges hindering the Act's full potential, such as slow domestication in states, cultural resistance, inadequate public awareness, and systemic issues within the judicial process. The study utilizes a doctrinal research approach, drawing on both primary and secondary legal sources, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Act's legal and institutional frameworks. Through a critical examination of case studies and comparative analysis with international legal standards, the study highlights both the successes and shortcomings of the VAPP Act. Ultimately, it offers recommendations to enhance the Act's impact, emphasizing the need for robust enforcement, increased awareness, and legal reforms to ensure better protection of women's rights and more effective combat against GBV in Nigeria.