The Lagos State House of Assembly last September passed a bill to protect witnesses and victims of crime in the state.
Titled the ‘bill for a law to provide for the rights and entitlements of victims and protection of witnesses and for connected purposes was passed during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa on 22 September 2022.
The bill stipulates the provision of assistance and protection to victims and witnesses who have vital information that could help ensure effective prosecution of cases, but who face intimidation due to their cooperation with the prosecution or law enforcement agencies.
A part of the bill further states: “Every person, including security agents shall help victims of accidents or crimes and ensure that such persons are taken to the nearest hospital for immediate care and treatment.
“A public or private hospital shall provide immediate and adequate treatment to an accident victim or any person with gunshot and severe injuries or wounds.”
It stipulates a fine for any medical facility that fails to comply with the related section of the bill.
On Saturday, The House released more pieces of information about the bill which is still awaiting the governor’s assent. The article titled “10 Things To Know About Lagos New Victim, Witness Protection And Assistance Bill and signed by Mr. Eromosele Ebhomele, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the information says:” 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.
