Access to justice is a fundamental human right. Yet, for many sex workers in Nigeria, seeking justice often means confronting discrimination, prejudice, and institutional barriers before their voices are even heard.
In this research, The Momentum Support Initiative (TMS) explores how judicial practices, law enforcement actions, and societal attitudes shape the experiences of sex workers within the justice system in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study examines whether the legal system delivers equal protection or whether deeply rooted stigma continues to influence legal outcomes.
Drawing on interviews with legal practitioners, judicial officers, law enforcement personnel, and other key stakeholders, the research reveals concerning patterns of bias that affect arrests, detention practices, prosecution, sentencing, and access to legal remedies. The findings show that moral perceptions of sex work often influence legal decision-making, resulting in unequal treatment and reduced access to justice for sex workers.
The study further highlights how arbitrary arrests, police abuse, extortion, and limited legal representation contribute to a cycle of exclusion. Many respondents acknowledged that sex workers frequently experience violations of their rights, while complaints against law enforcement officers are rarely investigated or pursued.
One of the report’s key findings is the significant disparity in how sex work-related cases are handled. While legal practitioners generally approach sex work as a legal issue requiring due process, many judicial and law enforcement officers continue to view it primarily through a moral lens. This distinction has profound implications for court proceedings, sentencing decisions, and access to justice.
The research also documents gendered patterns of prosecution, indicating that sex workers are substantially more likely to face conviction than their clients. Respondents further reported that cases in which sex workers are victims of violence or abuse are often dismissed or receive inadequate judicial attention, reinforcing systemic discrimination within the justice system.
Beyond documenting these challenges, the report calls for reforms that strengthen judicial impartiality, improve accountability within law enforcement, expand access to legal aid, and ensure that every individual—regardless of occupation—is afforded equal protection under the law.
At The Momentum Support Initiative (TMS), we believe that human rights and justice must be accessible to everyone without discrimination. This publication contributes to ongoing conversations on legal reform, human rights protection, and equitable access to justice for marginalized communities.
We invite researchers, policymakers, civil society organizations, legal professionals, development partners, and human rights advocates to explore the findings and join the conversation on building a justice system that upholds fairness, dignity, and the rule of law for all.
