Categories: NewsNigeria News

10 Things To Know About Lagos New Victim, Witness Protection And Assistance Bill

Ten (10) things to know about the Lagos new victim, witness protection and assistance bill can be accessed below.

 

Glamtush reports that the Lagos State House of Assembly led by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa recently passed a bill to protect and assist victims of crimes and accidents as well as witnesses who have genuine information which could help the effective prosecution of cases.

Titled ‘A bill for a law to provide for the rights and entitlements of victims and protection of witnesses and for connected purposes’, the bill which has been described as one that would protect lives and property is geared towards creating a peaceful Lagos society in line with state’s advancement.

The bill with 71 sections, is the first to be passed by a Nigerian State House of Assembly and creates the establishment of an agency that would assist to meet its stipulations and goals.

Designed to meet the Megacity, or if you like, Smart City drive of the government, the bill also states how the agency is to be run, the establishment of a Trust Fund and how resources that should make up the fund are to be sourced and utilized. The bill currently awaits the assent of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Below are 10 other things to know about the bill and the agency:

1. Provide necessary assistance to victims and witnesses including measures for treatment, reparation, restitution and rehabilitation.

2. Conduct research into ways victims and witnesses can be effectively treated, rehabilitated, assisted, compensated and protected.

3. Create a conducive environment for witnesses to make statements before law enforcement agencies without fear of any repercussions.

4. Pay compensation to victims or witnesses for any physical or mental harm, loss or damages to property.

5. A victim or witness shall be protected as far as practicable from unnecessary contact with the alleged offender and defence witnesses during trial and proceedings.

6. A victim or witness who suspects that harm may be inflicted on him due to his participation in any investigation can seek protection.

7. A victim or witness can be provided with security, temporary accommodation, permanent relocation, temporary or permanent employment or change of identity.

8. Victims of accident or crime must be assisted by the public or security agents and taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.

9. A hospital or facility that fails to treat a victim can face a N1m fine. If victim dies, the hospital or doctor faces prosecution.

10. A private hospital that receives an accident victim with severe wound must inform the agency within 48 hours for reimbursement of medical expenses where family members are not known or where the victim is indigent.

 

GLAMTUSH

Recent Posts

Zenith Tech Fair 4.0 Concludes With Hackathon Winners Receiving N77.5M In Cash Prizes

Zenith Tech Fair 4.0 has concluded, with hackathon winners receiving N77.5M in cash prizes.   Glamtush…

14 minutes ago

PHOTOS: Davido Receives Luxury Car From Auto Firm For 32nd Birthday

Davido has received a luxury car from an auto firm for his 32nd birthday.  …

20 hours ago

VIDEO: How Primate Ayodele Foretold Simon Ekpa’s Arrest In 2023

Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government…

20 hours ago

Speaker Obasa Clarifies Negative Perceptions As Sanwo-Olu Presents 2025 Budget

Accuses detractors of peddling news of alleged governorship ambition.   Speaker of the Lagos State…

20 hours ago

Simon Ekpa, Four Others Arrested In Finland Over Terrorism Activities

Simon Ekpa and four others have been arrested in Finland over terrorism activities.   Glamtush…

1 day ago

Davido Celebrates 32nd Birthday With ₦300m Donation To Orphanages

Davido is excited to celebrate his 32nd birthday with a ₦300m donation to orphanages.  …

1 day ago