House Of Representatives Calls For Special Courts To Handle Homicide And Femicide Cases
The House of Representatives has urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to designate special divisions within existing courts to expedite the handling of homicide, femicide, and related cases across the country.
The lawmakers also called on law enforcement agencies to prioritize homicide investigations and ensure thorough prosecution of offenders. Additionally, they tasked religious organizations, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and advocacy groups with launching public awareness campaigns to promote ethical values, respect for human life, and education on the dangers of ritual killings, murder, and manslaughter.
The resolutions were adopted following a motion titled “A National Call to Halt Homicidal and Femicidal Acts in Nigeria”, co-sponsored by Hon. Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante, Hon. Faleke James Abiodun, Hon. Ogah Amobi Godwin, and Hon. Manu Soro Mansur.
Leading the debate, Hon. Abiante emphasized that the right to life is a fundamental human right guaranteed by the Constitution, yet homicide cases—including murder, manslaughter, and other violent crimes—have been on the rise, sparking public outcry for justice.
He particularly highlighted the growing epidemic of femicide, which involves the intentional killing of women and girls due to their gender.
Citing a series of gruesome murders reported across the country in recent years, he expressed concern over the increasing brutality and frequency of such crimes.
Among the cases listed were:
– Vera Uwaila Omozuwa (May 2020): A university student raped and murdered in a church.
– Hanifa Abubakar (December 2021): A five-year-old girl kidnapped, poisoned, and killed by her school proprietor in Kano.
– Bamise Ayanwole (February 2022): Murdered after boarding a BRT bus in Lagos.
– Justina Otuene Nkang (October 2023): Killed by a fellow university student in Port Harcourt.
– Salome Adaidu (January 2025): A National Youth Corps member murdered in Nasarawa State.
– Chioma Nwana (January 2025): Set ablaze by her husband in Anambra after a heated argument.
Hon. Abiante lamented the delays in the prosecution of homicide cases, citing prolonged pretrial detentions, overcrowded correctional facilities, and the loss of crucial evidence as major concerns. He argued that these delays erode public confidence in the justice system and allow perpetrators to gain unwarranted media attention.
He referenced the ongoing trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, accused of murdering Usifo Ataga, and the case of notorious kidnapper Evans, who, despite facing murder charges, was awarded a scholarship while in detention.
The House urged the NJC to take immediate action by establishing special court divisions to handle homicide cases exclusively, ensuring faster trials, reduced case backlogs, and a more effective justice system.
Additionally, the lawmakers advocated for public enlightenment campaigns to instill ethical values, respect for human life, and emotional intelligence training to help young people develop non-violent conflict resolution skills.
The House subsequently mandated its Committees on Judiciary and Human Rights to liaise with the NJC, the National Judicial Institute, and other relevant stakeholders to oversee the implementation of this resolution and report progress within a stipulated time frame.
With homicide and femicide cases continuing to rise, Nigerians will be watching closely to see if these legislative efforts translate into real reforms and tangible justice for victims.
