The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, has called for stronger collaboration with the State Police Command to ensure justice, accountability, and protection for women and children across the state.
Adeleye made the call on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
She described the engagement as a vital step toward strengthening the partnership between the Ministry and the Police in addressing abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence (GBV).
“Over the years, we have handled several cases of gender-based violence, child neglect, and abuse where police intervention was critical,” she said. “While cooperation has been commendable in many instances, there have been cases where victims were asked to bear investigation or court-related costs, or where out-of-court settlements were encouraged — denying victims the justice they deserve.”
Adeleye urged the Command to take proactive measures to close such gaps and to handle GBV cases with greater compassion and professionalism.
Highlighting the Ministry’s efforts, she mentioned the establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the state’s four zones and Women Development Centres for rehabilitation and empowerment of survivors. She also advocated for Family Support Units (FSUs) in all police divisions to ensure prompt and professional handling of domestic and sexual violence cases.
In his remarks, CP Lanre Ogunlowo praised Adeleye’s commitment to protecting women and children, describing her as a “passionate public officer driven by genuine purpose.”
He pledged the Command’s full support, announcing that all gender-related cases would henceforth be handled directly by the State Command Headquarters. Ogunlowo also revealed plans for enhanced officer training and improved data management to strengthen the police response to GBV cases.
