The Ogun State Attorney -General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN) has expressed worry over the rising cases of sexual abuse in the country, especially of minors.

The Senior Advocate said the society must rise against the trend.

Ogungbade made the remark on Thursday at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch 2024 Professional Bar Dinner in honour of its patron, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Attorney -General of the Federation.

Ogungbade remarked that the data might show that girls were more at risk but the evidence showed that it cuts across genders.

He emphasised that it was better to prevent the incidents of sexual abuse from occurring than to react after the fact by the arrest and Prosecution of the perpetrators.

“The longest terms of imprisonment may do little to assuage the lifetime of psychological and emotional trauma that victims are often subjected to,” he said.

The SAN urged lawyers to always maintain the ethics of their profession as they were taught at the Nigerian law school.

“Judicial officers are expected to be fearless, bold in the face of insecurities and be able to walk away from situations that may offend their sense of justice or commitment to virtue,” he said.

The Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, Justice Yargata Nimpar, urged lawyers to always uphold the integrity of their profession and the rule of law.

Nimpar, who was the chairman of the occasion, remarked that Fagbemi’s position was well deserved because he had the knowledge to function well.

“He is one that is committed to ensuring efficient justice delivery and promoting the rule of law, his tenure has been marked by significant results and innovation,” she said.

The first female SAN of Nigeria, Chief Folake Solanke urged lawyers to regain the olden age of the profession by becoming corruption free .

Solanke, represented by one of the NBA members, Mrs Oluwaseun Banjo enjoined each of the lawyers to maintain the rule of law despite any confrontation or challenges.

Earlier, the NBA Ibadan branch Chairperson, Mrs Folasade Aladeniyi, urged the members to grow the future of their noble profession by leading exemplary lifestyles.

“We have an image in the society and together we must seek to continue to represent a good image.

“It’s often said that the most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity, this is a candid reminder to us to obey the clarion call to make the world a better place with our legal minds,” she said.

Responding, Fagbemi called on the lawyers to pray more for him to end his tenure successfully than to congratulate him.

He thanked the Ibadan NBA for their love and unwavering support.

“I appreciate your continual advice and encouragement, my office will always welcome suggestions, critics and advice; I promise that I will not disappoint you and the country,” he said.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to some deserving legal practitioners and other distinguished judiciary stakeholders. (NAN)