Lagos State Ministry of Justice

IKEDE PATAKI

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Ijọba ipinle Eko n rọ araalu paapaa gbogbo olugbe Magodo Residential Scheme lati fọkanbalẹ lori iṣẹlẹ to waye laipẹ yii ti Oloye Adebayọ Adeyiga atawọn ẹgbẹ Shangisha Landlords Association fi ẹtan ko awọn ọlọpaa lọ si Magodo lati fi tipa fidi idajọ ile-ẹjọ mulẹ. Ijọba ṣakiyesi pe awọn ọlọpaa ti wọn waa fidi idajọ naa mulẹ kii ṣe awọn ọlọpaa kootu rara; nitori awọn ọlọpaa kootu ko mọ nnkan nipa igbesẹ ti wọn gbe lọjọ naa ni Magodo. Igbesẹ yii tun lodi si igbekalẹ ile-ẹjọ ilẹ wa. Ijọba ipinle Eko fẹẹ fi da awọn araalu loju pe iwadii ṣi n lọ lọwọ lati fi awọn to lọwọ si ọrọ naa jofin, bẹẹ nijọba ko ni yẹsẹ lati maa bọwọ fun ofin la i ṣegbe lẹyin ẹnikankan. Bakan naa nijọba n lo anfaani yii lati kilọ fun awọn eeyan wọnyi pe ki wọn pa gbogbo akọle ti wọn ti kọ sara ile awọn olugbe Magodo rẹ kiakia, bẹẹ ni ki awọn araalu fi ṣe oju lalakan fi n ṣọri. Bi wọn ba si ri ẹnikẹni to ba tun fẹẹ dan iru iwa to lodi sofin bẹẹ wo, ki wọn fi to ijoba leti kia. Olukede Moyọsọrẹ Onigbanjo, SAN Agbẹjọro agba fun ijọba ati kọmiṣanna fun eto idajọ nipinlẹ Eko Ọjọ kẹtalelogun, oṣu kejila, ọdun 2021

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ILLEGAL ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENT BY SHANGISHA LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION INRE SC/112/2002 BETWEEN MILITARY GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE & ORS. V. CHIEF ADEBAYO ADEYIGA & ORS.

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ILLEGAL ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENT BY SHANGISHA LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION INRE SC/112/2002 BETWEEN MILITARY GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE & ORS. V. CHIEF ADEBAYO ADEYIGA & ORS. i. On the 21st of December, 2021, it was reported through social media platforms that the Shangisha Landlords Association with stern looking Policemen took over Magodo Area of Lagos State in purported execution of a Supreme Court judgment. ii. It is a known fact that judgment was delivered in 2012 by the Supreme Court in Military Governor of Lagos State & Ors. Vs. Adebayo Adeyiga & Ors in Appeal No: SC/112/2002 wherein the Apex court affirmed the judgment of Court of Appeal and High Court delivered on the 31st December, 1993 in Suit No: ID/795/88 wherein the Court held as follows: “I hereby enter judgment for the plaintiffs against the defendants as follows – A declaration that members of the Shangisha Landlords Association whose lands and or buildings at Shangisha village were demolished by the Lagos State Government and/or its servants or agents during the period of June 1984 to May 1985 are entitled to the first choice preferential treatment by the Lagos State Government before any other person(s) in the allocation or re-allocation of plots in Shangisha village and I make the order against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants (particularly the Lagos state Government and Land Use and Allocation committee) as agreed in the meeting held on 16th October 1984 with the Ministry of Lands and Housing and Development Matters, Lagos State. 2. An order of Mandatory Injunction is hereby made that the said defendants shall forthwith allocate 549 (five hundred and forty nine) plots to the plaintiffs in the said Shangisha village scheme in the Shangisha village aforesaid.” iii. It is obvious from the declaratory judgment of the Supreme Court that the judgment only recognized the Judgment Creditors as being entitled to first choice preferential treatment in the “allocation and or re-allocation of plots in Shangisha Village”. The judgment only relates to allocation of 549 plots of land and not possession of any land. iiii. Several attempts by the State Government to resolve the matter amicably have been on even before the judgment of the Supreme Court was delivered. It is therefore not surprising that the Supreme Court held on page 27 of the judgment thus; “…… This Court appreciates the  magnanimity of  the Lagos  State Government in the proposals to effect an amicable settlement of this matter. The ball is now in the court of the counsel to the respondents who has a statutory duty to advise them properly to give the government their maximum co-operation in the execution of this judgment.” v. The State Government engaged the Judgment Creditors between 2012 – 2015 and made proposal to re-allocate land to the Judgment Creditors at Magotho Residential Scheme within Badagry Area which was rejected by Chief Adebayo Adeyiga but majority of the Judgment Creditors led by Yemi Ogunshola, Jelili Yaya and Adeleke Adefala accepted the offer. Due to division within the Judgment Creditors, another round of settlement was initiated in 2016 which culminated in the proposal to re-allocate the Judgment Creditors to Ibeju Lekki Coastal Scheme situate at Ibeju/Lekki which was also rejected by Chief Adebayo Adeyiga. vi. Subsequent to the rejection, the State Government has been in dialogue with majority of the Judgment Creditors from 2019 with a view to reach a concession towards implementing the Judgment. vii. Noteworthy also is the pending application for interlocutory injunction dated 1st December 2020 before the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/L/1005A/2018 seeking an order restraining Chief Adebayo Adeyiga and others (including their agents, servants privies or howsoever called, particularly the Police) from entering into, giving direction, taking possession or in any manner disturbing the quiet enjoyment of property owners in Magodo Residential Area Scheme. viii. The Lagos State Government has equally observed that the execution was carried out by unknown Bailiffs as the Sherriff of the High Court of Lagos where the Judgment emanated were not responsible for the purported execution carried out on the 21st December 2021 at Magodo. The purported execution is therefore contrary to Order 8 Rule 17 of the Supreme Court Rules 2014 and Section 37 of the Enforcement of Judgment and Orders Part iii of the Sherriff and Civil Process Act, LFN, 2004. ix. The Judgment before the Supreme Court was not in respect of declaration of title and the Supreme Court did not in any way grant title to land to the Judgment Creditors. The Judgment Creditors had no claim for possession and none was granted as no survey plan was tendered before the Court. The judgment is not affixed to any land anywhere and only declared that the Judgment Creditors are entitled to allocation of land from the State Government. x. The State Government is therefore dismayed by the action of Chief Adebayo Adeyiga (one of the Judgment Creditors) who misled the Nigeria Police in attempting execution of the Judgment notwithstanding the pending Appeal against the issuance of warrant of possession by the then Chief Judge of Lagos State on 16th March 2017. xi. The State Government enjoins the general public to remain calm especially Residents of Magodo Residential Area, while investigation into the unwarranted incident is being carried out with a view to prosecuting any person found culpable. The Lagos State Government has the high regard for the rule of law and will protect the interests of all parties.  Signed  Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ministry of Justice, Lagos State 23rd December 2021

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LASG Begins Sensitization on The Administration Of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law 2021: Holds Magistrates Workshop

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In a continuous bid to ensure the effective implementation of the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law, 2021 (ACJL), the State Government has organised the first batch of workshop for Magistrates in Lagos on salient provisions in the amended ACJL Law. Addressing participants at the workshop, the Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), noted that the workshop serves as a platform to familiarize and dissect the new provisions of ACJL with a view to effectively implement and build on the progress made so far in justice delivery. The commissioner who was represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey noted that ACJL was first passed in 2007 and amended in 2011 (more than ten (10) years ago) to ensure that the Fundamental Rights of suspects and persons that come into contact with the justice system, as enshrined in the Constitution are protected. He stressed that to further strengthen the justice system, Mr Governor assented to the  ACJL(Amendment),2021 as well as address the issue of delay in the administration of criminal justice. According to him, the workshop for the Magistrates is pivotal as they play a huge role in decongesting of the Correctional Facilities, being the major stakeholder before a suspect is remanded into custody. He noted that Magistrate Courts handle about 65% of the criminal cases in the State, and are responsible for handling minor offences summarily. Noting the efforts of the State Government in the administration of criminal Justice, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, highlighted the various Amendments and innovations, which has set the pace for other States. She noted that in addition to the overview of the ACJL Law 2021; the workshop will also address the implementation of Restorative justice and other non- custodial measures such Community sentencing, Plea Bargain amongst others. Facilitators at the workshop include Hon. Justice Adenike Coker, Mr. Joseph Otteh, Founder Access to Justice, Director, Lagos Multidoor Court House, Mrs. Adeyinka Aroyewun, Director, Lagos State Community Service Unit, Ms. Shakirat Kotun amongst others.

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Lagos Urges Residents to Protect Children’s Rights

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…celebrates United Nations Human Rights Day Lagos State Government has urged residents  of the State to  protect the rights of children  while noting that these sets of rights were enacted to cater for their vulnerability and development. This revelation was made by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shita-Bey, at the annual  Human Rights day celebration for Private and Public Primary and Secondary Schools across the State. The Permanent Secretary disclosed that the State Government has various initiatives and programmes targeted at protecting the rights of children, especially the Child’s Rights Law enacted to ensure that children enjoy special care, assistance and social protection. She opined that the Law allows children to enjoy special care and assistance, as well as social protection, which will equally foster their social-economic welfare and enhance the successful building of the nation. ., .”. According to the Permanent Secretary, the programme is organized annually by the Directorate for Citizens’ Right on every 10th of December to celebrate the promotion of Human Rights in our society and the world at large. This, she said, will further increase the recognition of protecting the rights of children, as well as ensuring that adults take responsibility for children’s protection and development. Speaking on the theme of the event tagged: “The Year of Socio-Economic Renewal and Nation Building”, Shita-Bey explained that the theme was carefully selected to recognize the importance of protecting the rights of children in attaining sustainable development. “when human rights are protected, it improves the nation’s human capital and increases national, economic and social growth”. Similarly,the Director for Public Prosecutions ,Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi in her keynote address stressed that Lagos State has continued to protect human rights through the Directorate of Citizens rights,Office of the public defender,citizens mediation centre amongst other directorates in the State ministry of Justice established to Forster human rights observance and enforcement in the State She further emphasized that  failure to recognise human right in any nation is a design for societal destruction as seen in the History of the world and indeed at municipal level She commended the State Government for its doggedness in ensuring that human rights of every person is respected and protected The Director, Citizens Rights, Oluwatoyin Odunsanya, while appreciating the students and other personalities for supporting the government on the journey to completely protect Human Rights, implored them to continue being good citizens and ambassadors of Human Rights. She further advised them to spread the message against discrimination, child abuse and infringement of human and child’s rights. Other highlights of the programme include a drama presentation by Reagan Memorial Baptist Private School,  titled “Say No to Bullying, Speak Out”. The presentation preached against bullying and dedicated to a JSS2 Student of Dowen School, Sylvester Oromoni, who was reportedly bullied at school by Senior students and ultimately died.. More importantly, it was targeted at encouraging parents and other acquaintances of the young people to have cordial relationships with their children and wards so that they can always count on them in times of distress and need. . In addition to this, debates were organized on topics related to Human Rights for Junior and Senior Secondary categories, with Oregun Junior High School emerging as the winner for the Junior category, while Reagan Memorial Baptist Private School got the first position for the Senior category.

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Sexual And Gender Based Violence: LASG Organizes Symposium On Factors And Triggers

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The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on Tuesday, organized a symposium as part of its efforts in combatting sexual and Gender Based Violence in the State.  The Symposium with the theme “Inter Generational Conversations; Factors & Triggers of Sexual and Gender Based Violence … Charting A way Forward” had in attendance, faith based organisations,  community leaders, ,CDA, CDC, NGO’s, students of the University of Lagos and members of the National Youth Service Corps . The Solicitor General & Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice,Ms. Titilayo Shitta Bey represented by the Director ,Citizen’s Mediation Centre Mrs. Abiola Oseni , in her goodwill message underscored the different efforts of the State Government in providing holistic response to incidents of Domestic and Sexual Violence. Shitta-Bey concluded by reiterating the need to offer real and practicable solutions in addressing the root causes of  Sexual and Gender Based Violence which would ultimately lead to prevention. Speaking during the symposium,the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour Adeniyi in her opening remarks disclosed that the primary objective of the symposium is to provide a platform where both young and old generations are engaged in conversation that involves causes, factors and triggers of SGBV. Expantiating further Adeniyi stated that the forum is an opportunity to interrogate societal cultural norms and other factors which encourage the perpetration of domestic and sexual violence. “At the end of the conversations, it is our sincere hope that  both generations will be guided to chart a way forward in a bid to prevent the occurrence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence.” A keynote Speaker at the symposium Professor Olufunlayo Bammeke, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences ,Department of Sociology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos Nigeria highlighted  the different triggers, causes as well as proffered solutions ,some of which includes empowerment for boys and girls , pre marital  Counselling and life skills, enlightenment programmes aimed at behavioral  change, engagement of the private sector to embrace anti-GBV programmes.  The panel discussion was moderated by Mrs. Nyma Akashat – Zibiri of “Your View “(TVC). Panelists included Mr. Victor Okpala – Nabsolute Media, Ms. Halimat Oshun, Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara – Commissioner ,Lagos State Audit Commission, Engr. Ajibade Oke – Member Rotary Club  and Mr. Micheal West Panelists concluded that there is a need to keep the conversations going about Sexual and Gender Based Violence. In additional they recommended religious leaders, community leaders, gatekeepers and traditional rulers  must work hand in hand with government to prevent and respond to SGBV.

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Engaging Boys as Agents Of Change In The Fight Against Domestic And Sexual Violence

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In commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism for the elimination of violence against women and girls, members of the Kings Club project, an initiative of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on Thursday organized a debate on Domestic and sexual Violence. The Debate with the topic: Domestic and Sexual Violence; who is to blame? The Perpetrator or the Society? was held at Oregun Junior and Senior High School, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun and had in attendance Counsellors, Teachers and male Students drawn from Education Districts II, IV, V and Lagos Mainland Primary school. The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour Adeniyi in her opening remarks highlighted the importance of engaging boys proactively as a means of preventing domestic and sexual violence. She also reiterated the fact that boys can also experience domestic and sexual violence and were urged to speak out and break the silence. The Executive Secretary further noted that the ultimate goal of the Kings Club is to create a sustainable structure in educational institutions that would help debunk socio-cultural misconceptions, promote positive masculinity and bring about behavioral and attuditional change in the minds of young boys in Lagos State which is hoped would ultimately prevent the occurrence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. The different debaters at the event canvassed their positions and ultimately encouraged members of the public as well as the State Government to ensure that Domestic and Sexual Violence is nip in the bud. At the end of the Debate session, Immaculate Senior High School came up tops with a total of 337 points and a cash prize prize of Fifty Thousand Naira . In second place was Immaculate Junior School with a total of 317 points and a cash price of Thirty Thousand Naira while third and fourth places were Mende Senior High School and Mende Junior School with 291 and 275 points respectively. The panel of Judges and Special Guests which include Mr. Taiwo Akinlami; Mr. Unwana Esang, Mr. Dennis Onoise, Mr. Victor Okpala, Mr. Lukas Koyejo, and Mrs. Oladipo charged the boys to remain committed in their educational pursuit and use their gender to protect, promote and uphold gender equality.

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Lagos Releases Judicial Panel of Inquiry Reports

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The Lagos State Government has released the Judicial Panel of Inquiry reports. According to a statement signed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, the reports submitted by the Judicial Panel of Inquiry titled: “Report of Lekki Incident Investigation on 20th October 2021” and “Consolidated Report on General Police Brutality” both dated 15th November, 2021 and submitted to Mr. Governor on the same date has been released. Members of the public can view and download the certified true copy (CTC)on the website of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice at For further inquires, Members of the public can contact the Office of the Hon. Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice at info@lagosstatemoj.org

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Lagos Reiterates On Protecting The Rights Of Children

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Lagos State Government has further reiterated its bid to prevent and curb the alarming rate of sexual and gender based violence against children in the State. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice ,Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) gave  this charge on Tuesday at a webinar organized  by the State Directorate of Citizens’ Rights, Ministry of Justice themed “Protecting the Rights of Children, Putting an End to Defilement and other types of Abuse”. Onigbanjo ably represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ms Titilayo Shitta -bey during the welcome address stated that children are the leaders of tomorrow and it is  the right of the society to nuture and protect them from vices and abuse of any kind, either physically, emotionally and  psychologically. He further revealed that the Directorate for Citizens’ Rights through its statutory functions ensures the protection and enforcement of the fundamental human rights of Lagos State residents stressing that  the  ‘One Stop Child Justice Centre’ initiative of the directorate  handles all child-related matters (in collaboration with other MDAs) in Lagos State , thereby protecting  the rights of children as provided under the Child Rights Law of Lagos State, 2015. Onigbanjo said that the seminar will serve as a wakeup call to all stakeholders and the general public on Child Protection laws and   invariably curb the menace of abuse,violence, exploitation and neglect of children. . Associate Professor, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, UNILAG, Dr. Iyabode Ogunniran stated that violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violation in the world as it knows no social, economic or national boundaries. Delivering her paper, themed “Defilement: Prevention, Legal Framework and Institutional Mechanism in Lagos State”, she stressed that one in four girls and one in ten boys experience all forms of sexual violence before the age of 18. The professor stated that some of the adverse effects of Sexual Violence includes shock, fear, anxiety, functional impairment, depression, distrust in others, social isolation, behavioral problems amongst others. Speaking further, Dr. Ogunniran said that preventive measures can be taken through collaboration and joint efforts of Community Heads, Religious Organizations, Community Groups and Educational Institutions whereby a code of conduct that prohibits Sexual and Gender Based Violence is adopted. The Director of the Office of Public Defender, Dr. Babajide Martins during his presentation titled “Strategies of the Lagos State Government in Curbing Defilement and Way Forward” stated that likely perpetrators are usually family members, religious leaders, neighbors and rarely strangers. “Lagos State Government has zero tolerance for Gender Based Violence especially when it involves children, hence the legal framework that has been put in place to prevent, curb and prosecute offenders which includes a policy to make it mandatory for everyone who has contact with a child  is to report any suspected child abuse or violence against a child through the Attorney General of  the State and failure to report has its consequences as they may be subject to civil and criminal liabilities”. Dr Martins said that the section 370 of the ACJL 2021, mandates the State to establish a crime data register also known as the Lagos Criminal Information System. .He said that  the   register contains information of suspects and offenders either convicted or awaiting trial and would also serve as criminal record database, wherein, organizations and employers in the State may apply to obtain criminal records in order to forestall employing a sex offender into an organization. In addition, he listed the Domestic and Violence Agency (DSVA), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Office of  the Public Defender (OPD) and Medical/Health Care Centers as first responders of Sexual and Gender  based Violence in the State. The Executive Secretary DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, commended the ‘One Child Justice Centre’ initiative of the Directorate of Citizens Rights. She said that the collated results on the research made on convicted inmates revealed that violent sexual act were mostly perpetrated while   under influence of alcohol, hard drugs and online pornography. “80.9 percent of the inmates said they were sexually abused and became sexually active before turning 18”, she revealed Vivor -Adeniyi added that the agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, frequently  embark on sensitizing  the girl-child including boys, on Sexual and Gender Based Violence programs across the State. Children Human Rights Expert and Social Development Attorney, Mr. Taiwo Akinlami, during the virtual program, stated that children who are sexually abused show sudden changes in behavior or School performance, inappropriately seductive, have sophisticated knowledge or interested in sexual activity , perpetrate sexual activity with another child, particularly a younger or more vulnerable child. “Physical indicators of a child defiled or molested by family members or guardian includes; difficulty walking or sitting, sudden weight change, frequent stomach complaints,  headache, sudden refusal to change clothes at the gym or to participate in physical activities, frequent urinary or yeast infections not explained by medical condition or treatment, getting pregnant or contacting a venereal disease”. Akinlami said that indicators for adolescents may include; self-destruction, promiscuity, drug or alcohol abuse, self mutilation or suicide attempts, eating disorder and possibly become a runaway. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Odunsanya, Director of Citizens’ Rights in her closing remarks, appreciated the guest speakers and participants, including  the Chief Jugde of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, ably  represented by Hon. Justice Oshodi, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Mr. Bolaji Abayomi, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Oluyemi Kalesanwo ably  represented by Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olorunfemi, for their attendance and participation. She urged parents, teachers and caregivers to engage their wards in sex education with their wards adding that  ignorance is a  basic tool that perpetrators use to abuse children, TAIWO ADE-BALOGUN PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER DIRECTOR OF CITIZENS RIGHTS 02/12/21

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Lagos Set To Launch Restorative Justice Centre

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The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Justice is set to launch the ‘Restorative Justice Centre’ as part of efforts to ensure quick dispensation of justice, promote peaceful communities and prevent re-offending. The Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN stated this during a webinar organised by the Lagos State Restorative Justice Steering Committee as part of activities to commemorate the International Restorative Justice week. Representing the Commissioner,  the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary,Ms Titilayo Shitta -Bey, in her remarks at the virtual webinar noted that the Restorative Justice Centre’ has a great potential for decongesting court dockets as well as correctional centres, promoting peaceful communities, transforming the criminal justice system, heals wounds of crime as well as reintegration of offenders. Noting the importance of this initiative, he said that the ‘Restorative Justice Centre’ will soon be launched by the State Government in order to ensure an effective dispensation of justice whereby people can walk into the centre to make enquiries as well as file complaints. Also speaking at the event, the Chief Judge of Lagos State,  Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba in his address noted that the annual international Restorative Justice (RJ) week held every November is to create awareness about the benefits of restorative justice for the victim, offender , community and stakeholders. The chief judge who was represented by Hon. Justice O. Oshodi stated that restorative justice is a method used for dealing with a crime that puts the needs of victims first while the offender takes responsibility for their actions. The Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey reiterated that Restorative Justice is a form of diversion which is also an ongoing global shift in the perception of crime and punishment. According to her “This webinar is mainly to sensitize and equip our stakeholders with necessary knowledge and skills on how to apply the Restorative Justice system in their various districts”. She also said that the decision to adopt a restorative justice approach in the state judiciary was based on the need to ensure that offenders are not just punished but rather to reintegrate back into society. Shitta-Bey reiterated that the Coordinating Centre will be launching very soon and will also be equipped with excellent and exceptional RJ facilitators to ensure transparency and management of the due process to restorative justice in the state. A keynote speaker at the webinar, Hon. Justice Chinyere Ani of the High Court, Enugu State, stated that RJ is as old as man and its approach to crime dates back thousands of years as it has been the dominant model of criminal justice throughout most of human history. “Some of the goals and objectives of RJ program include; holding the offender accountable in a meaningful way, increasing victim and community satisfaction, repairing harm caused by the offender, reducing Incarceration, reintegrating the offender into the community, increasing public confidence in the justice system and saving time and cost of prosecution”. In addition Hon. Justice Chinyere Ani stated that RJ is mainly used for cases involving children/juvenile offenders or when the offence is of a non-serious nature and there is need for reconciliation. “Courts can apply Restorative sentence in addition to light custodial sentence or may in addition to the agreed terms of VOM, give the offender a sentence such as community service, parole caution or suspended sentence”. She further explained that RJ is about communication, confrontation, accountability, healing, compensation, restoration and restitution. It considers crime largely as an infraction against people within communities, contrary to the more abstract legal explanation of crime as harm against the state. Others panelist at the webinar include, the associate professor, faculty of law, UNILAG, Dr. Akeem Bello, and RJ Coordinator for Jamaica, Andriene Lindsay.

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Lagos Hosts Southwest Attorneys- General Meeting

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Lagos State is hosting the quarterly meeting of South West Attorneys – General which commenced  on Wednesday 24th of November, 2021 A Statement released by the office of the Hon. Attorney- General of Lagos State and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, disclosed that the Hon. Attorneys -General will discuss issues of crucial importance, including the Implementation of Judicial/ Legislature (Financial Autonomy); Laws in South West States; South West States Proposals for the reform of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and other pressing legal  issues The meeting is being attended by Attorneys -General of Ekiti, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Ondo States. The meeting ends on Friday 26th November 2021.

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