The lack of effective Witness Protection facilities within the Nigerian Criminal Justice System is often blamed for the absence of witnesses during courts proceedings. This identified gap in the justice system leave witnesses vulnerable to stigmatization and social exclusion (especially in sexual assault and rape cases) or ridicule (as is seen in human trafficking cases). Sometimes, their lives and property become prices paid for having carried out their civic duty of giving evidence in court.

Armed with the objective of filling this gap, PRAWA, under the Justice for All (J4A) programme organized a Sensitization Workshop on the Importance of Witness Identity Protection. The Workshop which took place at Savannah Suites Hotel located at Area 3, Abuja on 13^th March 2014 had members of the press, lawyers, Criminal Justice institutions and the general public in attendance.

Participants were informed that witnesses can only be willing to give evidence, even in high risk cases, if their security is guaranteed. Mr. Labaran, a prosecutor with the Federal Ministry of Justice cited Sections 34 and 36(4) (a) and (b) of the Nigerian Terrorism Prevention Act 2011 as well as the Amended Act which make specific provisions for witness protection. He noted that in line with this, various options are being explored to protect witnesses, especially in very sensitive cases like terrorism. Such options include, but are not limited to, the collection of witness testimony via camera, the non-disclosure of witness identities and secret transportation of witnesses to court. This has gone a long way in encouraging many witnesses in various terrorism cases currently being prosecuted by State to come forward and give their testimonies.

In addition to Mr. Labran’s statement, Hon. Justice Banjoko of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja maintained that when dealing with sensitive cases, the State should ensure that the prosecution of such cases should be done away from the place where the crime was committed. In his opinion, this will help in ensuring the security of witnesses, hence, encouraging them to testify.

The workshop not only provided a platform for experience sharing among participants, it included the official launching of Information, Education and Communication materials (posters and handbills) for the sensitization of the public on the importance of witnesses in criminal justice delivery.