LAGOS – Survivors of rape and incest have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenging the state’s failure to provide comprehensive medical care guaranteed by law.
The plaintiffs, represented by Prof. Yemi Oke, SAN, and Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, are seeking judicial enforcement of survivors’ rights to necessary medical services. This includes access to safe termination of pregnancy where sexual violence results in pregnancy.
The case before Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa is scheduled for mention on Thursday.
One plaintiff was sexually abused by her father and underwent an unsafe abortion without proper medical care. Another, a university student raped while incapacitated, received no government-provided medical or psychological support.
“I did not choose violence. I did not choose the trauma that changed my life. But I choose to fight so no other girl or woman is abandoned by the system that is meant to protect us,” said one survivor.
The survivors argue the government has violated constitutional and international obligations by failing to ensure comprehensive medical services for victims of sexual violence.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are based on court documents and plaintiff statements. This report covers an ongoing legal proceeding
