A law to safeguard prosecution witnesses and accident victims was unanimously approved by the Lagos State House of Assembly.
On Thursday, support was given to the legislation that would guarantee the rights and entitlements of victims, safeguard witnesses, and further related goals.
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The session was presided over by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the House.
The measure mandates that victims and witnesses who have crucial information that could enable successful case prosecution be given support and protection.
Informants will no longer be threatened as a result of their assistance to the prosecution or law enforcement organizations.
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The bill also mandates that everyone, including security personnel, aid victims of accidents or crimes and see to it that they are transferred to the closest hospital.
A public or private hospital is required to give an accident victim or anyone with gunshot wounds and severe injuries or wounds immediate and proper care.
Any medical facility that disobeys the relevant section of the bill will be fined, according to the bill’s additional provisions.
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“Within 48 hours of admission, a private hospital that treats accident victims with serious wounds or injuries must notify the agency.”
The hospital can then send a request for payment of medical charges to the patient’s family or other related parties.
Hospitals must send records of the treatment to the government if the victim cannot be identified or is indigent, provided that the request is approved by a Lagos agency.
Obasa instructed Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, Clerk of the House, to deliver a clean copy of the bill to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his approval.
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