The Lagos State Police Command, on Monday unveiled the Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Centre for Gender-Based Violence and Family Support, a new facility designed to enhance the state’s response to gender-based crimes.
The centre, developed through a partnership between the Command’s Gender Unit and several government agencies, civil society groups, and development partners, was formally commissioned in Ikeja by the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Olohundare Jimoh, described the upgraded facility as a milestone in advancing survivor-focused policing.
He explained that the initiative originated in 2023 following a sharp rise in gender-based violence cases, which made it necessary to build a more effective and coordinated support system.
Jimoh commended the First Lady for her advocacy, noting that her support has strengthened the Command’s operational capacity in handling sensitive cases.
He also praised partner organisations for providing technical expertise, training, and community outreach that have helped align the centre with international standards.
Reviewing the unit’s achievements over the past year, the police chief disclosed that 219 suspects had been arrested for sexual and gender-based offences and family-related crimes. He added that: 198 cases were charged to court, resulting in multiple convictions; 114 suspects were apprehended for defiling minors; 10 were prosecuted for rape; 24 faced prosecution for sexual assault by penetration.
Other investigations and prosecutions covered child abuse (3), abduction (1), domestic violence (14), child trafficking (2), child stealing (2), human trafficking (1), sexual assault (16), assault/battery (17), and cases of parental or spousal neglect and threats.
Jimoh noted that the unit also recorded successful rescue operations and facilitated the reunification of abducted, trafficked, or missing children with their families. He added that international bodies that recently inspected the centre expressed satisfaction with its operations and facilities.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to justice and survivor support, the commissioner said, “We are building a society where justice is within reach and no survivor is left unheard.”
He added that the centre, named in honour of the First Lady, is designed to become a safe haven for victims of GBV and a catalyst for healing and empowerment across the state.
In her remarks, Mrs Sanwo-Olu described the centre as rejuvenated and repositioned to uphold the dignity of survivors and reinforce Lagos State’s justice system. She recalled that the gender unit previously operated from a cramped two-room office, which she said was inadequate for handling delicate, trauma-related cases.
She stated that the upgraded facility now meets global standards, housing specialised interview rooms, digital and video-recording equipment, a functional case-management system, staff offices, documentation rooms, and a short-stay shelter for both male and female survivors. Other features include medical and psychological support units, a conference hall, vocational training room, recreational facilities, and enhanced security and communication systems.
The First Lady called for the establishment of similar centres across all local government areas to broaden access to survivor-support services. She acknowledged the contributions of the Lagos State Police Command, relevant ministries, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, NGOs, development partners, and individuals who played key roles in achieving the milestone.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu also expressed gratitude to frontline officers, counsellors, psychologists, investigators, and social workers, saying their dedication forms the foundation of meaningful change.
She urged traditional rulers, faith leaders, schools, community groups, and political stakeholders to help strengthen reporting mechanisms and raise awareness of available support channels.
“To every survivor, past, present, and future, you are seen, you are believed, and you matter,” she said.