As part of activities marking the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian government to take decisive action in prosecuting cases of femicide across the country.
During a walk in Abuja on Saturday, themed “Accelerate Action Against Femicide,” Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, emphasised the need for effective prosecution to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.
“When existing cases are prosecuted effectively and suspects are brought to justice, it will serve as a deterrent to others,” Sanusi stated.
He further called on the government to launch awareness campaigns to educate women and girls on identifying threats to their safety. According to him, many women fall victim to femicide due to a lack of awareness, often because perpetrators are relatives or loved ones.
Sanusi also criticised the slow pace of police investigations and judicial processes, stressing that delays in prosecution weaken public interest and deny justice to victims and their families.
“The Nigerian police have a gender unit, but it needs to be strengthened with specialised skills to investigate femicide cases. These cases must be prosecuted on time and effectively to ensure justice is not delayed or denied,” he added.
He expressed concern over the rising cases of femicide in Nigeria, attributing it to cultural misconceptions, lack of commitment, and systemic failures in addressing gender-based violence.
“Women are specifically targeted in these crimes, yet justice remains elusive. We must change this narrative by prioritising action against femicide.”
Amnesty International’s call for urgent action reflects the growing concerns over gender-based violence in Nigeria, urging authorities to take proactive measures in tackling femicide and protecting women from harm.
