Court Schedules Hearing for Landmark Rape and Incest Rights Case

Justice Lewis Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi has set a date for a significant hearing on the rights of victims of rape and incest. The court will convene on January 20, 2026, to discuss a suit filed against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC). This case, registered under suit number FHC/LAG/975/2025, also targets several government agencies, including the Minister of Health, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

The lawsuit seeks to enforce the rights of victims, requesting the court to recognize their legal entitlement to safe termination of pregnancy, comprehensive medical care, psychological support, and access to medical abortion services as stipulated under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. The applicants are represented by a distinguished legal team, including Prof. Yemi Oke, SAN, Dr. Yinka Owoeye, Emmanuella Azu, Deji Folorunsho, and Oluwatobi Adeniregun.

During a recent mention of the case, all respondents failed to appear, prompting the court to adjourn the matter. In his remarks, Prof. Oke criticized the absence of the government representatives, describing the case as “of unique importance and national significance.” He expressed disappointment that these agencies did not show what he termed “patriotism” by attending the hearing.

“This is a matter every conscious Nigerian and global citizen should be interested in,” said Prof. Oke. He emphasized the need to advance justice for victims of rape and incest, particularly regarding their rights to safe termination of pregnancy.

Justice Allagoa also raised concerns about the proper service of court documents, underscoring the necessity for evidence that all parties had been duly informed of the proceedings. As a result, the case has been postponed to the specified date in January 2026.

This landmark lawsuit is viewed as a critical test of government accountability in Nigeria, particularly regarding the protection of the rights of victims of sexual violence. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for how such cases are handled in the future, highlighting the urgent need for governmental action to ensure the well-being of vulnerable individuals.