Lagos Assembly approves legislation to protect accident victims and prosecution witnesses

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.

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.

A part of the bill further states: “Every person, including security agents shall render assistance to victims of accidents or crimes and ensure that such persons are taken to the nearest hospital.

“A public or private hospital shall provide immediate and adequate treatment to an accident victim or any person with gunshot and severe injuries or wounds.”

The bill further stipulates a fine for any medical facility that fails to comply with the related section of the bill.

“A private hospital that receives accident victims with severe injuries or wounds for treatment under this section must inform the agency within 48 hours of admission.”

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.