The Epidemic of Rape and Sexual Violence against Women and Children in Nigeria: Implication of Covid-19 Lockdown

Abstract

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, there has been drastic increment of cases of rape in Nigeria which has resulted in public outcry and condemnation. The worrisome trend in the reported cases, is the murder of most victims especially females. The effects of rape, are multifaceted and its affects both the victim and the society at large. It renders the victim emotionally and psychologically traumatized. This paper adopts desk-based research to examine the quagmire of increment of rape cases in Nigeria in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic by highlighting the consequences of rape, the legal framework on rape in Nigeria. It also discusses various forms of sexual violence and the challenges in investigating and prosecuting rape cases in Nigeria. The paper examines the criminal justice system and the adjudication of rape cases in Nigeria. The paper found that the legal framework on rape is inadequate and obsolete as at present, with the exception of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The administration of justice system has lacunas that put a rape victim at a disadvantage. The attitude of investigating personnel especially the police, is an albatross to the successful investigation and prosecution of rape cases in Nigeria. The paper therefore makes vital recommendations on how to curb the rape epidemic in Nigeria post covid-19 by create an enabling environment for redress of rape cases. it concludes that rape is a violation of right to dignity and should be discouraged by all stakeholders in the society.