Akin Rotimi, 25 other lawmakers Announce Landmark Legislation on Victims’ Rights

The Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, and 25 other lawmakers have announced the advancement of the Victims’ Rights Bill 2024. The lawmakers said the bill was inspired by the tragic killing of Zakari Muhammed, who died on August 14, 1993.

The lawmakers in a statement signed by the Spokesman of the Akin Rotimi Constituency Office, Sunkanmi Bamgboye, said this pivotal legislation, which has successfully passed legislative scrutiny, is set to be presented for consideration when the House resumes from recess in September.

Rotimi said: “The Victims’ Rights Bill 2024 aims to establish comprehensive protections for victims of violent crimes, ensuring their safety and involvement throughout the justice process. It seeks to address significant deficiencies in current laws by defining victims’ rights clearly, mandating court responsibilities to uphold these rights, and ensuring effective implementation and compliance.

“Current deficiencies in extant laws create an imbalance where the rights of suspected perpetrators can overshadow those of the victims. This imbalance deepens the suffering of victims and fosters a culture of impunity.

“For justice to be truly effective, it must be fair and provide victims with the protection and redress they need. Without such fairness, the cycle of violence continues, leaving society vulnerable and undermining justice’s core principles.

“The bill is inspired by numerous cases where victims and their families have suffered due to systemic failures, including the case of Zakari Muhammed, the son of the late former head of state, General Murtala Muhammed.

“Zakari was tragically shot on August 13, 1993, and died the next day, August 14, 1993. Despite the identification of suspected perpetrators, the case has been stalled by failures in prosecution.

“The Murtala Muhammed family and the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, to whom Rotimi has been a great ally, have long advocated for justice and systemic reform, emphasizing the need for such legislation.

“We acknowledge the technical support of the foundation in drafting this bill and continue to advocate for the support of all stakeholders for this crucial legislation, especially when it gets to the public hearing stage.

“The bill has garnered broad multipartisan support, with co-sponsors including Rep. Sada Soli; Rep. Kafilat Ogbara; Rep. Zakaria Nyampa; Rep. Philip Agbese; Rep. (Dr.) Adesola Adedayo; Rep. (Engr.) Bala Sani Umar; Rep. Tanko Adamu; Rep. Jafaru Gambo Leko; Rep. Kabiru Alhassan Rumrum; Rep. Olusola Fatoba; Rep. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai; and Rep. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh; among others.

“This broad coalition underscores a unified commitment to enhancing the justice system and ensuring that victims’ rights are upheld.”

Rotimi extends his appreciation to the 25 co-sponsors for their support and calls for further engagement and backing within and outside the National Assembly to ensure the bill’s successful passage and implementation.