A five-year analysis of police records on sexual-related offences in Lagos State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Sexual violence is a major public health problem that calls for urgent attention in Nigeria. Surveys have shown that the prevalence of rape ranged from 4.4 to 21.3 per cent in different populations but information on outcomes of these offences have not been fully investigated. Furthermore; little is known about the nature; extent and pattern of sexual offences reported to the police. This study documented the pattern of sexual offences reported at the Metropolitan Lagos State Police Commands from 1999 to 2004. The study is descriptive and retrospective in design. Following the compilation of reported sexual offences from Crime Diary and Case Files; two pretested checklists were used to extract information on socio-demographic characteristics of perpetrators and victims and sexual context. In-depth interviews were also conducted with eighteen Police officers who are responsible for sexual offences. Statistical Analytical System (SAS) package was used to generate descriptive statistics. A total of 691 sexual offences were reported during the period under consideration. Rape accounted for 40.1% of the offences; 44% of the crimes were committed at the perpetrator's house; and virtually all victims 98.4% were females whose ages ranged from 4 to 56 years; victims were mostly neigbours to the perpetrators(42%). Only forty-seven case files were available for review as most were missing due to inadequate storage; Most(76.6%) of the Case files were withdrawn; 12.8% were under investigations; while 8.5% status were unknown. Preventive efforts that provide sexual health education that will equip young people with necessary skills to protect themselves be promoted