Funke Busari, Lagos
Witnesses and victims of crime in Lagos State have no cause for fear as they would be adequately protected during court trials by the State Department of Public Prosecutions’ Witness Support Unit.
The DPP Director, Olayinka Adeyemi, informed that the Witness Support Unit, under her watch is ready to provide all necessary support ranging from psychosocial, financial and legal to witnesses especially victims of assaults, defilement, rape, armed robbery amongst others.
And as such the Lagos State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to provide needed assistance to them through the Witness Support Unit headed by Adetutu Oshinusi, its Coordinator.
Assuring residents of Olowo/Ojuwoye Community during a sentisation programme in collaboration with Rule of Law Anti-Corruption Agency, ROLAC, at Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA on Thursday April 6th, 2021, Olayinka noted that the community will be better enlightened on the roles and importance of Witnesses and their rights under the Law.
The DPP Director said that without witnesses during court trials, cases may not proceed as expected and this in turn could lead to unnecessary delay in the dispensation of justice.
According to her, “Witnesses play a vital and important role in every case as this will ease the workload of judges and counsel thereby ensuring that judgement is served promptly and appropriately.”
She further mentioned that part of the rights of witnesses is to be regularly informed on the proceedings and status of their cases while also educating them on their obligation.
The Coordinator of the Witness Support Unit Oshinusi while addressing the residents of the community said that it is the responsibility of the Unit to properly guide witnesses on how to be credible witnesses during trials.
She however implored all would-be witnesses to remain courageous while they provide needed evidence to ensure efficiency in the administration of criminal justice in Lagos State.
