Lagos State Ministry of Justice has held a colloquium against Human Trafficking, and ritual abuse. ADEBISI ONANUGA writes that the convergent of stakeholders in the justice sector, rights activists including judges and justices of some African countries, held to chart a common inter-regional fronts and strategies to combat the heinous crime
Stakeholders in the justice sector from across African countries converged on Lagos a couple of days ago to chart an inter-regional pathway for combating human trafficking, particularly child trafficking, ritual abuse and sacrifices bedeviling African countries.
The colloquium which held on October 23 and 24, 2025 was convened by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA. The theme was: “Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking: A United Front Against Ritual Abuse and Sacrifice”.
The colloquium attracted top officials from federal and states ministry of Justice across the country and justices of the regional and special courts in Africa and agencies specifically established for combating and prevention of the heinous crimes of child trafficking, ritual abuse and sacrifices among others,
The keynote speakers included President of AW Associates LLC, Alan White, Obed Byamugisha of the Kyampisi Childcare Ministries, Hon. Justice Mike Chibita of the Supreme Court of Uganda and Cameron McCollum of Pepperdine University, USA.
Lagos AG seeks united front against human trafficking in Africa
At a dinner in honour of participants and keynote speakers at the colloquium held on Friday, October 24, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), reaffirmed government’s resolve to enhance regional collaboration, support survivors, and enforce stronger legal measures to deter trafficking and ritual crimes.
Pedro emphasised that Lagos would continue to champion initiatives that promote justice, dignity, and protection for all.
He described the colloquium as a major milestone in strengthening Africa’s unified response to human trafficking and exploitation.
Why African nations must unite against human trafficking
In his address at the opening of the colloquium, the Lagos Attorney General had urged African nations to unite in action against the growing scourge of ritual killings and human trafficking, describing the crimes as “commercialised evil” that thrive on poverty, desperation, and silence.”
Pedro said the event was “not just another conference but a continental call to conscience aimed at reclaiming the sanctity of human life in Africa.
“Ritual abuse and human sacrifices are not myths. They are real, expanding, and destroying lives across our communities,” the Attorney-General declared.
Pedro cited disturbing cases across Nigeria that reveal the deepening connection between human trafficking and ritual crimes.
He recalled recent incidents including the abduction and murder of two seven-year-old cousins, Chizaram and Chidinma Onuche, in Port Harcourt; the killing of a college student in Ilorin for ritual purposes; and the arrest of two pastors in Rivers State found with coffins and skulls.
“These are not isolated tragedies,” he said.
According to him, “the National Bureau of Statistics recorded over 150 ritual killings in six months, many involving youths deceived by the false promise of quick wealth.”
Why human trafficking, human killings thrive
He lamented that human trafficking has evolved into a global, organised, and highly profitable enterprise.
He described human trafficking as a high-profit, low-risk crime linked to organised criminal networks.
Lagos response to human trafficking, others
Pedro, who also chairs the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, outlined the state’s multi-pronged response to the menace.
He said: “between 2022 and 2024, over 4,700 victims were rescued and supported, while five million residents were reached through community awareness campaigns.”
He highlighted the enactment of the Lagos State Organ Harvesting Prohibition Law 2024, which criminalises organ trafficking and imposes severe penalties on offenders, including medical professionals involved in illegal human organ trade.
Why African nations must unite against scourge
“This evil will continue to thrive where nations fail to collaborate,” he said. “Africa must rise — not in rhetoric but in responsibility.”
He commended Pepperdine University and the Sudreau Global Justice Institute for partnering with Lagos since 2022 on justice reforms, adding that their collaboration had grown into a continental mission against human trafficking and ritual crimes.
“Let history say that from Lagos in 2025, Africa took a stand and never turned back,
“Let us refuse to accept the killing of our children as normal, reject the exploitation of women, and silence that empowers crime. When Africa chooses unity over isolation, we can protect the vulnerable and safeguard human dignity,” he said.
“This Colloquium brings together people who do the real work-investigators, prosecutors, lawmakers, researchers, traditional and faith leaders, as well as international partners. It is a reminder that the justice system alone cannot solve this-success depends on collaboration across sectors.
“While Lagos State is honoured to host this initiative, the outcomes must go beyond Lagos. They must influence policy across regions, strengthen cooperation across borders, and set in motion a framework that will protect the most vulnerable-our children, women, and young people-from exploitation.
“Human trafficking and ritual-related crimes are complex, transnational, and often deeply entrenched in social systems that make them difficult to detect, disrupt, and prosecute. What makes them particularly dangerous is not only their criminal nature but the networks-cultural, economic, criminal, and in some cases cross-border-that enable them. No single institution or country can solve this alone. That is why this forum matters.
“We are not gathered as representatives of positions or titles, but as custodians of responsibility-responsibility to investigate better, legislate smarter, prosecute stronger, and protect survivors with dignity and humanity.
“Let this Colloquium be remembered not for speeches but for structures-frameworks we agree on, tools we adopt, partnerships we formalise, and results we can measure. Africa does not need new declarations; we need implementation and accountability”, he said.
Reject abuse of spiritual influence
The Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Hameed Oyenuga also urged representatives of the different African countries at the colloquium to reject the spiritual killing of children as normal.
“Let us reject the exploitation of the poor, the commodification of women, the abuse of spiritual influence, and the silence that empowers crime”, he further admonished participants adding that the gathering at the colloquium should mark a turning point for the different regions in Africa.
“Let history say that from Lagos in 2025, Africa took a stand-and never turned back in the fight against Human Trafficking. As the Attorney General of Lagos State and Chair of the Lagos SRCE in fight against Human Trafficking, I commit to continue providing leadership, legal reform and cooperation with you all so that we can have a safer continent.”, he said
Ugandan experience on witchcraft
Justice Mike Chibita of Supreme Court of Uganda in a keynote address titled, “Exploring a Comprehensive Legal Framework for Ending Ritual Abuse and Sacrifice”, lamented the pervasiveness of witchcraft in many parts of Africa. He said evidence of witchcraft in Africa dated back to 1800 during British colonial period. He said it was a shame that necessitated Witchcraft Act in many countries.
He referred to a BBC Documentary covering Witchcraft and Child Sacrifices in Uganda. They went to witch doctors and recorded everything. He said this led to a law being passed on witchcraft.
Before this, he said his country had Person in trafficking Act Person in trafficking Act and Albino Act criminalising their abuse.
He said the key provisions include protection of victims, rehabilitation and restitution. He said the law punishes perpetrators of human trafficking and abrogated human trafficking,
He also told the story of how they dealt with the case of witch doctors often accused of human sacrifice and child mutilation. He said opinion were sharply divided on the matter as the Christians were saying they should burn all the shrines, He said as DPP, they had to think of how to handle the witch doctors as opinions were divided on the matter. He said they had to tighten a lot of loop holes to tighten the law.
He said when he went to make presentation in the parliament as the DPP, he had to let them realise that there is freedom of religion in the constitution and what to do with the witch doctors. He said this was an area where as lawyers, lawmakers, they have to be careful.
He said they also have law on Prevention of Traffic in Persons. He said as DPP, they had to set up specialised divisions to handle special cases.
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Best practices for survivor-Ccntred investigation, prosecution
Justice Chibita said when he was the DPP, they had to look for and determine the best practices for survivor-centred investigation and prosecution, especially in cases involving ritual abuse, human sacrifice, and trafficking
Evidence gathering
He said every matter begins with evidence gathering. He sees this as the foundation of every successful investigation. He noted that in many areas of law—tax matters, terrorism, trafficking, or ritual sacrifice—whistleblowers play a very important role. He described them as individuals who, either voluntarily or from within, provide valuable information because they are unhappy with what is going on.
He also noted that sometimes, the information comes from victims themselves, or from citizens who record incidents using their phone camera adding that sometimes these videos or photos taken innocently later turn out to be vital.
In other cases, evidence may emerge when suspicious objects—like human remains or blood-stained items—are discovered. Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras are another critical source. They operate 24 hours a day and capture events that people may not realise are being recorded.
Surveillance and intelligence gathering
He said beyond intelligence, gathering and surveillance are equally important. Investigators must map criminal networks, for example, identifying shrines across Lagos—where they are located, who runs them, and what happens there. Every serious police force maintains informants whose identities are kept secret from the public.
According to him, investigations of this nature require specialised personnel—carefully chosen, elite officers with advanced training. They must be trained, retrained, and properly equipped. He said the best practice is to create dedicated units or departments within the police and prosecution services.
He advised that these units should be protected from constant transfers that are common in public service. A unit that has been trained and equipped must remain intact for at least five years, otherwise the investment is wasted.
He said joint training between investigators and prosecutors is also essential because their work is interdependent. If possible, judicial officers should be included, especially since offences like human trafficking and child sacrifice are relatively new and complex.
Equipping investigators
According to him, investigators need to be fully equipped with cameras, recording devices, and covert gadgets such as lapel microphones or pen recorders. These tools are invaluable when conversing with suspects or informants.
They also need basic protective equipment like pepper spray, transport facilities, and sometimes even police dogs, which citizens often trust more than officers because dogs cannot be bribed and will always lead to the truth.
Protection of crime scene
When an incident occurs, investigators must arrive quickly to prevent contamination of the crime scene. In Africa, crowds often gather at crime scenes out of curiosity, destroying valuable evidence. Police must secure the area immediately and work with prosecutors to identify key witnesses and plan an evidence-gathering strategy—like a football team planning its attack and defence.
Technology and forensics
He stressed that technology is now at the heart of investigation. He said telephone data records (CDRs) can show who called whom, when, and from where. He said before making an arrest, investigators can use this data to identify everyone present at a crime scene.
Forensic evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, photographs, and video footage strengthens cases tremendously and cited one Ugandan case in which phone data proved the suspect’s movement from Kampala to the murder scene and when faced with this scientific evidence, the accused had no choice but to plead guilty.
The Justice of the Uganda Supreme Court said a discarded SIM cards hold valuable information. Likewise, forensic analysis of blood, soil, or other trace materials can solve complex cases. He cited a case involving an MP who murdered his wife who was convicted when soil from his shoe matched soil from the crime scene, proving that no two patches of soil are identical.
Leaning on experience, he contended that every crime leaves a trace. He said there is always a clue, however small, for a diligent investigator to find.
Handling survivors, witnesses
He argued that survivors are at the centre of any investigation process and therefore need of protection from interference from outside. He noted that without witness protection, victims would be scared to testify.
He recalled the case of a 12-year-old girl who asked him, “Sir, will you protect me?” He said she feared the powerful people behind her abuse. He said because resources for protection were lacking, she disappeared after leaving his office. He said that experience taught him that there cannot be justice without proper victim and witness protection.
Advocates government, NGO partnership
Justice Chibita stressed the need for governments to partner with shelters like Champions Childcare Ministries and the Mirabel Centre in Lagos, which provide refuge for rescued children. “Survivors need social workers, counsellors, medical personnel, and protection units to ensure their safety and dignity”, he said.
Prosecution strategy
He advised that arrests must be based on solid intelligence and surveillance and not on public pressure. He advised that investigators must plan carefully who to arrest, when, and how as premature arrests can damage a case, stressing that timing is crucial, especially when dealing with suspects who may flee.
He also stated that collaboration between police and prosecutors ensures that suspects are confronted with overwhelming evidence, leaving them little choice but to confess or plead guilty.
Plea Bargaining
He identified plea bargaining as one of the most effective tools in modern criminal justice. “Uganda embraced it after benchmarking with Pepperdine Law School in the U.S. The truth is that no justice system can prosecute 100% of cases as doing so leads to backlog. Los Angeles County, for instance, plea-bargains 95% of cases and tries only 5%.
“Plea bargaining saves time and resources, ensures swift justice, and reduces appeals. In Uganda, since adoption, only two plea-bargained cases have gone on appeal in eight years.
“It is not a compromise of justice. It is a win-win mechanism. The accused gets a fair, reduced sentence while the state secures a conviction and relieves victims of prolonged trauma.
He said plea bargains must be purseued where appropriate to ensure justice is served efficiently. When we do this. working swiftly, protecting survivors, and grounding our work in science and integrity,justice will not only be done but will be seen to be done.
Media Engagement
Justice Chibita stressed that managing of public communication is critical and that the media must be partners in justice, not adversaries.
He said in sensitive cases, prosecutors should provide regular briefings to prevent misinformation, speculation, and rumours adding that transparency builds public confidence.
Build strong, survivor-centred investigations
He advised on the need to assemble a dream team of prosecutors, investigators, social workers, and counselors, to invest in whistleblowers, informants, and intelligence systems, storage of all biological evidence carefully for future forensic analysis to enable prosecutors to confront suspects with solid, scientific evidence.
Tanzanian experience with albinism Engage African Union (AU) on human trafficking
Justice Stella Anukam, a judge of the African Court and Peoples’ Rights based in Arusha, Tanzania,who participated as a discussant during the colloquium, during interaction with journalists, recommended that the battle against human trafficking in the sub-region should be taken to the continental level.
“We need to engage with the AU so that, as it did for persons with albinism, it should also develop a strategic policy on the complete elimination of human rituals and sacrifices.
“That policy could span 10 or 20 years, depending on what is deemed necessary. Someone needs to drive it, and that should come from the AU”
She, however, expressed the fear that Nigeria might not be able to drive the fight against human trafficking across African regions because the country is yet to sign some articles of the AU like Article 34(6) declaration.
Elucidating on the Tanzanian case, Justice Anukam said there was an instructive prayer from the applicants suggesting that June 13 should be declared as the Day for the Protection of Persons with Albinism—similar to Africa Day of the Child or the African Freedom of Information Day. She said usually, such commemorations help raise awareness on the issue at hand, for a united front against human trafficking and ritual killings
According to her, “the AU could appoint a Champion President—as it does for other causes—to lead the campaign across countries, because the issue is continental and worsening by the day. The champion would carry the campaign from country to country under the AU platform.”
“Regarding Nigeria, as I mentioned, Nigeria as a country cannot sustain individual suits before the African Court until it makes the Article 34(6) declaration. However, the African Commission (Banjul Commission) can file a case on behalf of Nigerian citizens if it deems necessary, since it already has access to the Court”, she explained.
She said once a country becomes “ a signatory to the Charter—for example, we are talking about human rituals and sacrifices, which relate to Article 4 on the right to life—also Article 5, which prohibits torture, degrading and inhuman treatment. These are exactly what we see in rituals and human sacrifices.”
Colloquium to inspire, sustain continental effort against trafficking, ritual abuse.
The Director of the Sudreau Global Justice Institute, Pepperdine University, California, Professor Cameron McCollum, commended participants for their courage in addressing a topic that is often difficult to confront.
He noted that the conversations which held for two days had “brought light to a darkness long left unspoken,” adding that collective determination is key to lasting change.
McCollum also praised the Lagos State Government for its warmth and leadership, describing the Attorney General’s coordination as instrumental to the colloquium’s success while expressing confidence that the impact of the colloquium would extend beyond Nigeria, inspiring a sustained continental effort against trafficking and ritual abuse.
