WARDC’s Suit on Safe Termination of Pregnancy for Rape Victims Adjourned to January 20, 2026
The Federal High Court, Lagos, on Thursday adjourned to 20 January 2026 the hearing of a fundamental rights enforcement suit concerning victims of rape and incest.
The suit, FHC/LAG/975/2025, was instituted by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) alongside two other applicants (identities withheld) against the Attorney‑General of the Federation and several government agencies. The Minister of Health, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) were also joined as respondents.
At the scheduled hearing, none of the respondents were present. Counsel A. Saliu‑Aina appeared only on a watching brief.
Leading the applicants’ legal team, Prof. Yemi Oke, SAN, expressed disappointment at the respondents’ absence, describing the matter as one of “unique importance and national significance.” He stressed that the case directly implicates the rights and welfare of victims of rape and incest, and criticised the respondents for failing to appear despite proper service.
The applicants seek judicial declarations affirming that victims of rape and incest are entitled under Nigerian law to safe termination of pregnancy, as well as comprehensive medical care, including medical abortion services, psychological support, and social rehabilitation, as guaranteed by the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act).
Justice Ambrose Lewis‑Allagoa inquired into the issue of service. Prof. Oke confirmed that all respondents had been duly served, though the Attorney‑General’s office was only recently notified. The court directed that proof of service be properly documented before the next sitting.
The matter was thereafter adjourned to 20 January 2026 for continuation of hearing.
