Kano, Nigeria – November 2024 — The four landmark convictions secured by Lift Africa
Foundation’s Justice Shield programme in November 2024 highlight both the progress and
persistent gaps within Kano State’s justice architecture for survivors of sexual exploitation.
Beyond the courtroom outcomes, these cases expose structural weaknesses that must be
addressed through policy reform, institutional accountability, and survivor-centred justice
mechanisms.
Justice Shield serves as a bridge between survivors, communities, and the justice system—
ensuring that cases are not abandoned, diluted, or diverted into informal settlements that deny survivors their rights. By following the cases through to conviction, the programme demonstrates the transformative role of civil society in strengthening rule of law and access to justice.
Strengthening Access to Justice Through a SurvivorCentred Legal Pathway
Across the four cases adjudicated on 12 and 27 November 2024, Justice Shield’s legal team
provides comprehensive support designed to reduce procedural barriers and ensure legal
integrity. This includes:
- documenting statements and securing corroborating evidence
- supporting survivors through trauma-sensitive interviews
- working with police to ensure proper charge filing
- following up with prosecutors and court registries
- monitoring adjournments to prevent delays and case collapse
- providing survivors with continuous updates and legal counselling
This structured approach helps counter common justice-system failures, including case
withdrawal under pressure, mishandled evidence, or prolonged delays.
Systemic Barriers Exposed Through the Cases
The successful prosecutions also reveal the systemic challenges that continue to undermine
justice for survivors of sexual exploitation, including:
1. Limited survivor protection frameworks
Without a domesticated VAPP Act, Kano lacks a comprehensive legal framework to address
sexual exploitation, domestic violence, psychological abuse, and harmful practices.
- Under-resourced GBV response mechanisms
Facilities such as the Waraka Sexual Assault Referral Centre remain overstretched, limiting
availability of medical evidence, psychosocial care, and forensic services.
- Social pressure and stigma
Survivors often face threats, intimidation, or pressure from community actors to “settle” cases
informally, resulting in impunity and further trauma.
- Procedural delays
Administrative bottlenecks, slow case scheduling, and limited coordination between police,
prosecutors, and courts can weaken cases over time.
- Limited awareness of rights
Many survivors, especially in low-income or rural communities, are unaware of available legal
remedies or lack the resources to pursue them.
Justice Shield’s model demonstrates that these barriers are not insurmountable—but they require coordinated institutional reform.
Why These Convictions Matter for Policy Reform
The November 2024 convictions offer more than accountability for individual perpetrators—they provide evidence for why Kano State must strengthen its policy environment for protecting women and girls.
Lift Africa Foundation uses these cases to advocate for:
- Domestication of the Harmonised VAPP Act
This would provide clearer definitions of sexual offences, stronger penalties, and survivor
centred procedures.
- Functional, well-funded sexual assault response systems
Survivors need immediate access to medical, legal, and psychosocial services.
- Increased legal aid funding
Community-based legal aid remains underfunded despite its proven impact in securing justice outcomes.
- A coordinated justice pathway
Effective GBV response requires collaboration between police, NAPTIP, the Ministry of Justice, judiciary, health institutions, and civil society.
- Community-level sensitisation on legal rights
Breaking the cycle of silence requires sustained public education, especially among traditional and community leaders.
The Role of Civil Society in Justice Reform
These prosecutions demonstrate the essential role of civil society organisations in delivering
justice where state systems alone are insufficient. Justice Shield complements state structures by:
- reducing case attrition
- supporting survivor wellbeing
- enhancing evidence management
- tracking each case from report to judgment
- holding institutions accountable for delays or gaps
- providing policy evidence for lawmakers and justice actors
Through sustained legal advocacy, the programme helps strengthen institutional pathways that protect women, girls, and vulnerable populations.
Lift Africa Foundation’s Ongoing Justice Advocacy
Lift Africa Foundation remains committed to deepening justice reform by:
- expanding Justice Shield’s legal aid services
- strengthening partnerships with police, SARCs, NAPTIP, and the judiciary
- contributing evidence to GBV policy processes in Kano
- supporting the domestication and implementation of the VAPP Act
- training community gatekeepers to prevent interference in cases
- advocating for survivor-friendly justice systems across Northern Nigeria
The four convictions secured in November 2024 reaffirm the Foundation’s belief that justice is
achievable when survivors are supported, institutions are accountable, and civil society remains vigilant.