2020 – Lagos State Ministry of Justice

Justice Ministry Rewards Outstanding Officers

Posted on December 23, 2020

In order to encourage efficiency and enhance the performance of Officers, the Ministry of Justice, on Tuesday, recognised some of its personnel for discharging their duties meritoriously In a ceremony presided over by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN and the SolicitorGeneral/ Permanent Secretary at the Conference Room of the Ministry, the recipients were encouraged to see the Awards as a recognition of their diligence to duty, and inspiration for better service delivery at their duty posts. Onigbanjo acknowledged and expressed pride in the sterling performance of Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, maintaining that the quality of support the State Government gets from the Ministry helps in upholding the rule of Law, hence, the smooth running of the state. The Attorney- General charged the Awardees to eschew professionalism and hard work, stressing that the recognition accorded them was a way of appreciating their contributions to the Ministry. In his words, ” Without an excellent team, the work of the State Government will not see the light of the day. The State Government is therefore blessed to have a team of excellent men and women at the Ministry of Justice. Without you, the State Governor will be like a general who has gone to battle without his troops. I may not be commending all of you personally for your contributions but I must assure you that none of your efforts has gone unnoticed. I have personally been taking records of performances and I can say that you have been on top of your profession”, Onigbanjo declared. Also speaking during Awards ceremony, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ms Titilayo Shitta-Bey, explained that the idea of the Awards ceremony was a way of promoting a healthy professional rivalry among officers in order to Continually promote the ethics of global best practices in legal service delivery. Shitta Bey challenged the winners not to relent in pursuing excellence but be triggered for higher performance in order to justify the recognition accorded them by the Ministry, assuring that the 2021 awards will be bigger And better as COVID affected the planning of this one. . The Award which were in three categories: Project, Junior and Senior. in each of the Departments and Agencies of the Ministry of Justice saw Mrs Yetunde Ajayi of the Office of the Public Defender emerge as the best overall officer of the Ministry of Justice for 2020. S/N Names of Officers Directorates/ Designation Category Office of HAG /CJ 1. Afolabi Tajudeen Chief Secretarial Offr. GL 14 Senior 2. Adeyemi Bamgbose Snr. State Counsel GL 10 Junior 3. Seun Akerele Statistician GL 08 Junior Office of SG/PS 4. Yinka Akodu Prin. State Counsel GL 12 Senior 5. Bosun Olokun Clerical Officer Junior ADMIN & HUMAN RESOURCES DEPT 6. Olorunosebi Abdullah Higher Exec. Offr. (GD)GL08 Senior 7. Femi Akanni Snr. Driver Mech. GL07 Junior 8. Damilola Alao (Miss) Project Staff Project COMMERCIAL LAW DEPT 9. Ms Omolara Omidiran Prin. State Counsel GL12 Senior 10. Kehinde Solademi Executive Offr. GL 07 Junior 11. Kunle Adewusi Project Staff Project DEPT OF LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING 12. Abdulfatai O Muheeb Asst. Director State Counsel GL 15 Senior 13. Gabriel Moses Project Project ACCOUNTS DEPT 14. Oladele Olorunleke Prin. Accountant GL 12 Senior 15. Olalekan Sanni HEO (Accts) GL 08 Junior 16. Deborah Akoje Project Project DCL 17. George Okeke Chief State Counsel GL 14 Senior 18. Adeusi Adetutu Prin. State Counsel GL 12 Junior 19. Kayode Ayansiji Project Project COMMUNITY SERVICES 21. Aina Olabode Prin. Soc Welfr. Offr. GL12 Senior 22. Soetan Moses Law Enforcement Offr. II GL 08 Junior 23. Sadiq Ojutiku Project Project PUBLIC PROSECUTION 24. Miss Tolu Onilado Snr. State Counsel GL 10 Senior 25. Mrs Olawunmi Modupe Solomon Chief Clerical Offr. Gl 07 Junior 26. Oduwaiye Ayoola Project Project ADVISORY SERVICES DEPT 27. Olusegun Peters Asst. Chief Secretarial Offr. GL 13 Senior 28. Oluseye Monsurat Osinowo Snr. State Counsel GL 10 Junior 29. Erinolu Mopelola (Ms) Project Project ICT UNIT 30. Kolawole Majeed Abiodun Computer Engr. II junior PLANNING RESEARCH & STATISTICS 31. Funsho Adetunji Wahab Snr Statistician GL10 junior PROCUREMENT UNIT 32. A.O J. Erisan (Mrs) Chief Procurement Offr. GL 14 Junior DCR 33. Odewale Monisola (Mrs) Chief State Counsel GL14 Senior 34. Falode omowunmi Bolanle (Mrs) Cleaner GL03 Junior 35. Adebayo Odufuwa Project Project PUBLIC AFFIARS 36. Funke Ojo Pub. Affrs Offr. GL08 junior INTERNAL AUDIT 37. Kuye Michael Internal Auditor GL08 junior B OTHER ANNEX DIRECTORATES A LAND GRABBER i. ii. iii. Rukayat Shomade Olowojide Wande Idris Alebiosu Asst. Chief State counsel GL13 Snr State Counsel GL10 Project Senior Junior Project B AG&PT I ii. iii. i. Demurin Aderonke Oyawole Shakirat Seun Adetoye Chief State Counsel GL14 Prin. State counsel GL 12 Project Senior Junior Project C Mobile Court Motunde Airat Prin. State Counsel GL 10 Senior D PAC I ii. Olakanmi Yemisi Afolashade Ishawu Asst. Director State Counsel GL 15 Project Senior Project E OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER (OPD) i. Yetunde Ajayi ii. Eniola Disu iii. Toheeb Adeyiola Asst. Director State Counsel GL15 Snr. State Counsel GL 10 Project Senior Junior Project F CITIZEN’S MEDIATION CENTRE (CMD) i. Ajiboye Folashade ii. Adeolu Okutuyi iii. Musa Modupe Asst. Chief State Counsel GL13 Security-watch GL03 Project

Attorney General launches the Manual for Prosecutors handling cases of Sexual Offences.

Posted on December 23, 2020

The Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, today launched the Manual for Prosecutors handling cases of Sexual Offences. The surge in the report and prosecution of sexual offences in Lagos State, necessitated the development of this manual to address the complexities inherent in the prosecution of offences of this kind and to complement the efforts of the State Government in bringing Justice to survivors. This manual which was developed in-house sets out the way allegations of sexual violence allegation (Rape and Defilement of a Child in particular) are to be dealt with and handled. It highlights the role of the Prosecutor in the Special Prosecution Unit and what survivors can expect from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. At the presentation of the Manual, The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme which is funded by British European Union(ROLAC) commended the Hon. AG for the initiative which will assist in the continuous training of prosecutors.

Re: Police Prosecutorial Power In The State Magistrate Courts.

Posted on December 23, 2020

… Position of Lagos State – Attorney-General The Ministry of Justice is aware of the current clamour by the Non-Governmental Organizations and Stakeholders to stop Police prosecution of criminal matters in Magistrate Courts in accordance to ACJA provisions. The Ministry, wish to clearly state, that the ACJA does not apply to Lagos State. Furthermore, there is no provision of any Law barring the Police from prosecution of criminal matters in Magistrate Courts in Lagos State. As such, the provision of the Law in Lagos State as it stands does not Bar the Police from the prosecution of matters in Magistrate Courts. However, the Ministry of Justice is always willing to investigate any issue that would improve Administration of Justice in the State. As a result, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN had directed the set – up of a committee to look into the matter and advice accordingly. The committee members are as follows: Arthur Worrey Esq – Chairman T. K Shitta-Bey (Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Justice) – Member Y. G Oshoala (Directorate of Public Prosecution) – Member Lawson Coker – Member Bayo Akinlade – Member Rukayat Owolabi – Member Arinola Ayokanmbi – Member. More importantly, the Ministry is currently in the process of reviewing the State Laws relating to the Administration of Criminal Justice. The Ministry hereby assures members of the public that they would be informed on the outcome of the committee’s report.

Lagos Engages Stakeholders On Review Of Obas, Chiefs Law

Posted on December 23, 2020

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice today began a stakeholders’ meeting on the Review of the Obas and Chiefs of Lagos State Law, 2015. The meeting, organised by the Ministry’s Directorate of Legislative Drafting, is seeking to update the law to make it responsive to current realities. Director, Legislative Drafting, Mrs Aderinsola Olarenwaju, explained the importance of the review. “The present legislation is a good law, it’s been in existence since since 1957,” Olarenwaju said, adding that there is a need to “look into it, identify the lacuna and change things not in tandem with present realities.” She explained that the Ministry identified several lacuna in the law and set up a committee which came up with a draft containing proposals that were presented at the meeting. The director urged those who didn’t join the session to “send a memorandum for amendment of sections or repeal.” Olarenwaju added that a bigger session would be held with obas and other stakeholders in attendance. Director, Chieftaincy, Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Folami Lukman, praised the Ministry “especially the Directorate of Legislative Drafting” for organising the event. Emphasising the need for the review, he revealed that there were no fewer than 93 monarchs – 65 of whom are first class obas – and 10 empty stools in Lagos State. He said: “The law really needs to be upgraded. They should help us fast-track this review. Everybody wants to become Oba, chief. Even those with red blood, that are not bluebloods, they want to become obas. Let us do something and help our laws and help save the state. “The state’s size is not increasing. As of today, we have 93 obas on ground; about 10 stools that need to be occupied.” An Assistant Director, Legislative Drafting, Mr. Abdulfatai Muheed, presented the Directorate’s proposals. The interactive session considered amending several sections of the Law, including Section 12 which provides that amendment or replacement of registered declaration is permissible only once.

Lasg Arraigns Man Who Assaulted Lastma Officer

Posted on December 23, 2020

The Lagos State Government has arraigned one Ben Emmanuel before a Chief Magistrate Court in Yaba for assaulting a LASTMA officer. Ben Emmanuel in company of some persons who are now at large, was alleged to have assaulted and inflicted injuries on Ismaila Lukman, a LASTMA officer, while carrying out his assigned official duty on Sunday 8th November 2020 at Jakande Junction area in Lekki. In a Statement signed by the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, the Director of Public Prosecutions had on 10th November 2020, arraigned Ben Emmanuel before Yaba, Chief Magistrate Court on a (2) two count Charge of: Grievious Bodily Harm under Section. 245 and Resisting a Public Officer while engaged in discharge of his Lawful duties under Section 117(1). The Magistrate Court granted Ben Emmanuel, bail in the sum of N500,000 and two bail sureties. While the case was adjourned till 26th November 2020 for Trial. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Attorney General, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN has sounded a note of warning to recalcitrant members of the Public to stop harassment of Officials of the State Government carrying out their Lawful duties.

Lasg Arraigns Boat Operator Over Mishap

Posted on December 23, 2020

… Prosecutes Driver And Vehicle Owner Over Killing Of Two The Lagos State Government has arraigned a Boat Captain, Elebiju Happiness, over the boat mishap on Lagos Waterways around the Kirikiri area. The trial began on Thursday before Hon. Justice Josephine Oyefeso of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja. The defendant was charged with involuntary manslaughter and the operating of a boat without a license. Elebiju was arraigned by the Lagos State Government on a Ten (10) count charge dated 24th of August, 2020. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Elebiju allegedly caused the death of Thirteen (13) passengers in a boat mishap on the Lagos State Inland Waterways along Kirikiri after taking off from an illegal loading site with twenty (20) passengers. Upon capsizing, the rescue team of Lagos State Waterways Authority, Marine Police and other boat operators rescued five (5) passengers while the defendant (Captain of the boat) and his Deck hand boy survived. The Director Public Prosecutions, Mrs Yinka Adeyemi, who led the prosecution argued that the alleged offences against the Defendants were Involuntary Manslaughter contrary to Section 224 and punishable under Section 229 of the Criminal Law Ch C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015 and Operating without a license contrary to Section 311 (1) of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018. The DPP further presented two witnesses before the court who gave evidence against the defendant. The trial Judge, Hon. Justice Josephine Oyefeso, however, adjourned the matter to 17th of September for continuation of trial. In a related development, the Lagos State Government has also commenced the prosecution of the driver and owner of a vehicle, Dominic Amaechi and Cyprian Arinze respectively over the killing of two persons and causing bodily harm on another person. The defendants were arraigned on 2nd of September, 2020 before Hon. Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja. The driver of the vehicle was charged with among others, driving in a dangerous and reckless manner, involuntary manslaughter, causing grievous bodily harm, wilful damage to property and failure to obtain a valid driver’s license. The owner of the vehicle was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter as a result of refusal to ensure that his truck was roadworthy and failure to obtain vehicle licence and relevant permits. The Defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The accident caused the death of Eno Joseph (M), Titilayo Alayonimi (F), breaking of the leg of one Alani Oladipupo (M) and also causing severe damage to the property of Saba Steel Nigeria Ltd. According to the Prosecutor the offences were contrary to Section 224 of the Criminal Law, Laws of Lagos State 2015 , Sections 18 and 51 of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law , 2018. The case was adjourned till 30th of September for trial.

Court Sentences Two Men To Death With 21 Years Imprisonment For Rape

Posted on December 23, 2020

Lagos State High Court, Igbosere on Wednesday sentenced two robbers, Williams Umoh Udoh and Ubong Lazarus Isaiah to death for armed robbery in Lagos. The court sentenced Ubong Isaiah to death for armed robbery while Williams Udoh was sentenced to a separate 21 years imprisonment for rape at the scene of the crime. The two robbers were earlier arraigned by the Lagos State Government. on an amended five-count charge dated 29th June 2017. The defendants, who pleaded not guilty, robbed the residents of Shepherd Estate, Ijegun on the 2nd of August 2015 while the 1st defendant William Udoh raped one of the victims on her matrimonial bed. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier declared zero tolerance to rape and other forms of criminal activities in the state. The duo was arrested by the police and arraigned for conspiracy to commit robbery and armed robbery which contravenes the criminal justice act of Lagos State. The prosecutor, Ms Titilayo Shitta-Bey, Solicitor General/ Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, urged the court to sentence the defendants accordingly having found them guilty of the charges against them. She noted that the testimonies of six witnesses including the victim of rape and armed robbery confirmed the allegations of the crime agains t Udoh and Isiah.. The trial judge, Hon. Justice Atinuke Ipaye stated that the evidence provided by the prosecutor’s witnesses was credible, compelling, and cogent to the ground the conviction of the defendants. Justice Ipaye found the two robbers guilty of the charge and punishable under section 261, 297 and 295 (2) of the Criminal Law, CH, C.17 Vol 13 Laws of Lagos State 2015. “You are hereby sentenced to death on the counts of conspiracy to commit robbery and Armed robbery while the first defendant William Udoh is further sentenced to 21years imprisonment for the offence of rape,” Justice Ipaye ruled.

Lagos Receives 1,000 Land Grabbing Petitions In One Year

Posted on December 23, 2020

…Resolves 350 Cases, Charges Suspected Kingpin To Court …As Law Enforcement Officers Begin Statewide Use Of Body Cameras The Lagos State Government has revealed that it received a total of 1,000 petitions relating to forceful take-over of landed properties in the State through the Special Task Force Against Land Grabbers out of which 350 were successfully resolved in the last one year. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), who said this at the Ministerial Press Briefing held at JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja to commemorate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s first anniversary, said deliberate efforts were made by government to strengthen the Taskforce to arrest and prosecute suspected notorious land grabbers to send a strong signal about determination of the present administration to rid the State of illegal dispossession of landowners. Giving details of activities of the Ministry of Justice and its agencies in the last one year, Onigbanjo said: “The Taskforce with five Counsel received 1000 petitions out of which 350 have so far been resolved, while over 600 are pending and are at various stages of resolution. “About 20 petitions are currently being prosecuted in Court. 20 properties under dispute were marked with inscriptions by the Office to prevent any further transactions until pending issues are resolved. The arrest and prosecution of several suspected land grabbers were also effected in conjunction with security personnel attached to the Governor’s Monitoring Team.” The Commissioner listed some of the cases handled by the Taskforce to include the Ejigbo land grabbing case which had gone viral popularly known as the Adeoye’s case in which warrant of arrest was issued against the three alleged land grabbers; arrest and prosecution of land grabber at Ogudu GRA residential Scheme II; and recovery of land from land grabber at Ojota, among others. He said as part of the mandate of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), the team in the period under review held series of activities to galvanize strategic action and respond appropriately to formal and informal reporting of incidents of rape, defilement, domestic violence, child abuse, neglect and maltreatment. The team, he said, organized training for Judges and Magistrates; held a special advocacy walk tagged a walk to “commit and act” against all forms of sexual and gender based violence, and equally ensured the arrest and arraignment of an alleged wife Molester, one Sulaiman Maiyegun who on 5th of May, 2020 posted the beating of his wife which went viral on social media. The DSVRT, according to the Commissioner, also obtained restraining orders in court against domestic violence abusers. He said the Directorate of Citizen’s Rights (DCR) received 1308 petitions out of which 1070 have been resolved with 228 at different stages of resolution. “These Petitions spread across the Departments various Units, which includes the Human Rights Protection Unit (HRPU), Consumer Rights Protection Unit, Monetary Claims, Family Matters, the Employee/Employer Matters, and One stop Child Justice Centre. “The department also took part in prison watch which would take effect from May 2020 and conducted several rescue missions on abused children. Specifically, three children were rescued from their stepmother at Ikorodu; a 12-year-old boy was also rescued from his violent mother at Agege, while seven judgements were obtained at the National Industrial Court and an amount of N21,353,319 was recovered,” he said. Onigbanjo said the Public Advice Centre (PAC) received and treated 131,253 cases including Walk-ins within the period under review, ranging from pension claims, labour disputes, environmental issues, domestic violence, general legal advice, among others and equally obtained monetary claim of N4,518,000 on behalf of parties. He said the Administrator–General and Public Trustee, a unit responsible for managing and equitably sharing assets of estates of persons who died intestate (without leaving a WILL) received over 253 petitions in the last 12 months, out of which 185 were resolved through the instrument of mediation. “There were 704 Walk-In Enquiries where free legal services were rendered by seasoned Law Officers of the Ministry. Three court orders were obtained to administer some estates. The Office took over 24 Estates through petitions filed in court; generated over £22,500.00 (Twenty-Two Thousand, Five Hundred Pounds) on an estate abroad; paid N38,281,518.63 as Death /insurance benefits, and generated N120,136,489,” he disclosed. Onigbanjo said Governor Sanwo-Olu, through the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, granted order of release for 17 convicted inmates, while the Governor in April 2020 released additional 209 inmates convicted of minor offences as a way of decongesting the Prisons in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. He added that some bills were also presented to the State House of Assembly for amendment including Amendment of LSNSCA Law 2019 to establish the State Amotekun Corps, Land Use Charge Law Amendment, Public Procurement Agency Amendment, and Stamp Duty Registration Amendment. He added that 2,249 offenders were sentenced to community service for various offences, including some Nollywood celebrities who violated the Covid-19 social distancing regulations, adding that their punishment was supervised by the Ministry at various public institutions including Hospitals, Remand Homes, Traffic Management and Market sanitations. Also, he said the Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) carried out training for 11,234 Law Enforcement Officers in the 2019 fiscal year and commenced deployment of body cameras for the officers, just as it sensitized critical stakeholders such as National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) members across board, market leaders, among others on compliance with relevant laws regulating their operations. “LETI, in the period under review, commenced preliminary works on the acquisition and deployment of Body Cameras for use by the State Law Enforcement Agents; completed phase 1 of upgrading of facilities and agility training ground; carried out disaggregation of training schedules for more effectiveness and efficiency, as well as introduced the new curriculum with special emphasis on proactive law enforcement as opposed to the reactionary model,” he said.

Lagos Facilitated Settlement Of N1.242billion Debt Among Residents Through Mediation

Posted on December 23, 2020

…Secures 167 Judgments On Civil, Criminal Litigations In One Year …As Sanwo-Olu Ramps Up Infrastructure To Strengthen Judiciary, Police The Lagos State Government facilitated amicable settlement of N1, 242, 765, 569 debt among residents through mediation in the last one year, the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), has said. Presenting the scorecard of the Ministry of Justice and its agencies at the Ministerial Press Briefing held at JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja on Wednesday as part of activities commemorating the first anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, Onigbanjo said the sum came out of the 22,896 cases that were amicably resolved among parties by the Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC). He said the CMC, which is an agency under the Ministry charged with the responsibility of providing free legal services to residents, received 39,586 cases for mediation in the last one year, out of which 30,017 were mediated. “A total number of 39,586 cases were received for mediation. Out of this number, 30,017 were mediated and 22,896 were totally resolved. The cases not treated were either abandoned by the parties or independently resolved by them. “The total value of settlement of debt related matters facilitated by the Centre on behalf of parties during the period under review is One billion, two hundred and forty-two million, seven hundred and sixty-five thousand, five hundred and sixty-nine naira only (N1, 242, 765, 569),” Onigbanjo said. He said the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) received a total of 1,092 case files in the period under review, and issued 1,079 legal advice, out of which 1,148 information and proof of evidence were filed in court. “The DPP, within the period under review, received a total of 282 applications for Plea Bargain, out of which 230 was approved while 52 applications were rejected. The DPP obtained a total of 127 Judgments, one of such judgment (State of Lagos v. Olalekan Hameed) was via remote hearing during the pandemic lockdown leading to the conviction for murder and sentencing to death. “The DPP equally filed charge of involuntary manslaughter against a Truck Driver on BRT corridor at Ikorodu; charged a Police Officer for Murder of one Kolade Johnson; prosecuted the case of Danish citizen who allegedly murdered his wife and daughter; and murder of wife of Maersk MD, among other cases,” the Commissioner said. On the other hand, he said the Directorate of Civil Litigation defended the 144 cases that were filed against the State Government in the State High Courts, Federal High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in the last one year; secured 40 judgments and concluded a number of cases, with reduction of contingent liability for government. He added that the State Office of the Public Defender (OPD) saddled with the responsibility of providing legal aid and other related functions to the masses, especially the less privileged and the vulnerable received a total of 427 petitions and 690 criminal cases in the last one year. Giving a breakdown, the Commissioner said: “In the period under review, OPD received 427 petitions, concluded 85 through ADR; received 690 criminal cases, 140 civil cases, embarked on 4 rescue missions, treated 40 domestic violence cases, addressed the matter of 6 children who were in conflict with the law, obtained 14 judgments, handled 10 police matters, kept 6 children in OPD custody and assisted in paying compensation to people, including saving the child in the Jehovah Witness blood transfusion case. “The OPD also visited all correctional services in the State to render free legal services to inmates who do not have legal representation, as well as embarked on several trainings.” Also, the Commissioner said the Commercial Law Directorate of the Ministry drafted over 100 Agreements from May 2019-May, 2020 on behalf of the State Government, while 14 major Agreements were concluded. In terms of ramping up infrastructure to strengthen the judiciary and the police, the Commissioner said within the period under review, Governor Sanwo-Olu commissioned a combined High/Magistrate Courts christened Christopher Olatunde Segun Courthouse at Badore, Ajah to promote easy access to Justice for Lagosians at the grassroots. “The fully equipped court complex is made up of 5 Court Rooms, which consists of three magistrate courts and two High Courts, lawyer’s office, kitchen, Judges’ chambers, library, Registrar’s Office and conference room facility,” he said. Other projects are Ilashe Area L Police Command; Area J Police Command, Elemoro; two new complexes at Iba and Ojo LGAs for the CMC; and refurbishment of police law library at Panti.

Lagos Prosecutes 185 Cases From 3 Magisterial Districts In 60 Days

Posted on December 23, 2020

…as magisterial district prosecutors filter more cases presented by IPOs The Lagos State Government has prosecuted about 185 cases within the months of March and April 2020 from 3 magisterial districts of Ogba, Ebute-Meta and Ikorodu. This is contained in the monthly report of district prosecutors released yesterday by the ministry. In the report, prosecution of the 185 cases was approved after been filtered by the district prosecutors assigned to Ikorodu, Ogba, and Ebutte -Metta magistrate courts. The creation of District Prosecutors on March 3rd, 2020 as a sub- unit under the department of Public Prosecution to operate in a pilot scheme involving 3 magisterial areas of the State, was adopted as part of the recommendations of the Arthur Worrey led Advisory Committee on Police prosecutorial power in magistrate courts inaugurated in January, 2020 by the State Attorney General/ Commissioner for Justice. In the recommendation, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee, Fola Arthur-Worry Esq, in January 2020 said a sub-unit of the DPP office should be established in 3 Magistrate Courts to filter charges presented by Investigating Police Officer (IPO) to the magistrate courts. He added that the involvement of the sub -unit of the DPP’S Office would ensure that cases presented by the IPO meets the evidential threshold required by the Law. It will be recalled, that the Attorney General/ Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN in his reaction during submission of the report of the Arthur- Worrey Committee, said; “the operations of the district prosecutors would enhance speedy prosecution of cases before the court. It would also ensure the striking out of cases that disclose no prima facia evidence of offense committed.” He added that the district prosecutors would henceforth, take over the prosecution of severe and grievous criminal matters before the court.