Lagos State Ministry of Justice

    LASG Tasks Residents On Peaceful Coexistence

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    …. As CMC commemorates International Day of Peace. The Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC) has called for peaceful and harmonious coexistence among citizens and residents of the State, stressing that peace is a veritable tool for achieving impactful progress and economic excellence, most especially in a post-pandemic global economy. Making this known on Tuesday, 21st September, 2021 at the International Day of Peace at the Office of the CMC, Ikeja, the Director, Mrs. Biola Oseni, said for any society to achieve meaningful developments, the Government and the people must put machinery in place to maintain peace and orderliness amongst its people. Oseni said, “In this present day, it is globally acknowledged that the world is in dire need of peace in all nations, hence, we all need to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of peaceful coexistence by being Change agents”. According to her, Lagos State recognizes its importance as not just the commercial nerve center of Nigeria but the entire Sub-Saharan African States, therefore, has fostered mechanism that will ensure development and promote economic activities. “The Government is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the constitution al rights of all citizens and residents are protected by sustaining various institutions under the justice sector such as the Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), Office of Public Defender (OPD), Directorate of Citizens’ Right (DCR), and Land Grabbers among others. This is also simply to ensure that the interest of an average citizen, especially indigent and vulnerable in the society are protected”, she noted. While stating that all individuals and stakeholders have a role to play in the way we relate, speak and address issues between and among one another, the Director noted that at CMC, matters that could cause enmity among and between residents are resolved within a minimal time frame of charge for both disputing parties. On his part, the National Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Nigeria, Dr. Oluseyi Soremekun, said the International Day of Peace is an important and strategic day among all the United Nations International Days, as the day intends to wholly celebrate peace throughout the world. Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Recovering Better For An Equitable and Sustainable World” Soremekun said its aptness cannot be overemphasized in the sense that all nations across the globe are just emerging from the adverse effect of the Covid-19 pandemic and are in dire need of peace for prompt recovery in all facets. This year’s celebrations witnessed “a walk for peace” starting from the CMC’s office at Alausa to Ikeja under bridge and Agege Pen Cinema bridge where residents were sensitized on the need to ensure and sustain peace at all times by approaching the Office for amicable resolution of varying societal issues causing disagreements. Popoola Naheem Olaide Public Affairs Officer Citizens’ Mediation Centre

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    Lagos Records Over 10,000 Cases Of Domestic , Sexual Violence In 3 Years’

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    Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) has handled 10,007 cases of Domestic and Sexual Violence involving Men, Women and Children from May 2019 to August 2021. The Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) made the disclosure at a Media Parley organised to give account of the performance of DSVRT in commemoration of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month at Alausa, Ikeja. He noted, against the backdrop of rising cases of Domestic and Sexual Violence, incessant Child abuse.  Hence the need to continuously prosecute perpetrators in the state. “Between the period, May 2019 to August 2021, 4150 Domestic Violence, 177 Rape, 255 Attempt to commit rape/Sexual Assault, 246 Sexual Assault by penetration/Threat, 877 Others (Separation, Not taking responsibilities of  child(ren)Neglect, custody of the child, Non-GBV, 436 Child Abuse/Physical Assault, 271 Defilement cases, 13 Defilement by Minor to Minor , 454  Child Labour, Abduction Neglect/Others, 148 Sexual Harassment/Molestation cases were handled by the state through the Domestic Violence and Sexual Response Team (DSVRT)”, Onigbanjo said. The Commissioner added that, Since May 2019 the DSVRT received about 150 new cases monthly, saying that the state also witnessed an increase in reporting of cases from other States, mostly from Ogun and Oyo State. “In the past 2 years, a total of 526 cases occurred outside Lagos. Such cases are promptly referred to the relevant agencies in their respective States”, He noted Onigbanjo also stated that a total of 2980 children have experienced emotional abuse and have been taken through counseling programs to ensure they fit in back to the society without a negative psychological impact on them. In his words, “ The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team which was  conceived in September 2014 is in alignment with the “THEMES” Agenda of Governor Sanwo-olu’s led administration, particularly, the pillars of Health, Education, Security and Good Governance”. “By virtue of the Team’s various initiatives, as well as the zero tolerance declared in the state, DSVRT has continued to see a steady increase of formal reportage of cases in the state”. The Commissioner noted that the notable achievement’s of the Ministry of Justice stems from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) which has secured over 365 convictions for various Sexual offenses, including Rape, Defilement, Sexual Assault by Penetration and Sexual Assault” said Onigbanjo. He added, To ensure that survivors/ victims are able to access care at all levels, the Team partnered with Ford Foundation in building capacity of designated and pilot private hospitals in order to provide sexual assault management services to survivors which is located across the metropolis. Onigbanjo said, the DSVRT Team also partnered with various institutions such as the Office of the Commissioner of Police, the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, Joint European Union Funded Spotlight Initiative, The King’s Club Project amongst others in a bid to proffer better solutions to curb this menace and promote the awareness of Domestic and Sexual Violence in the state. While speaking on the outlined activities to commemorate the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, the Chairman DSVRT, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo stated, that the awareness would run for a month with a launch of #TeamAlausaPurpleCampaign, a community engagement with proposed route of Iba/Ipaja in view of the numbers of cases being reported in 2years and also a day set aside for Safeguarding and Child Protection Day while ending the month long program with a Commendation Night.

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    Stakeholder’s Meeting with MDAs Working With Ministry Of Justice

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    In an effort to foster a better work relationship and enhance synergy between MDA’s working with Ministry of Justice in order to achieve prompt and effective dispensation of Justice in Lagos State, the Ministry of Justice on Friday, held an interactive session with MDA’s to dialogue on areas and issues of inter- Ministerial collaboration. The Stakeholders meeting with MDA’s which held at Adeyemi- Bero Auditorium ,Alausa had in attendance, Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice , Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN); Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, Permanent  Secretaries of Ministeries and heads of agencies working with the Ministry of Justice,  Directors of the Ministry of Justice and other dignitaries.

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    Lagos Mobile Court Warns Motorists against Violation of Traffic Laws

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    The Lagos State Special  Offences (Mobile) Court has warned recalcitrant motorists fond of violating the traffic law of the State to desist or be ready to face the consequences of their actions under the Law. The Coordinator, Special  Offences (Mobile) Court, Mrs. Arinola Ogbara gave the warning on Thursday during a road show to create public awareness and sensitize residents on the importance of obeying the State traffic law . She noted that driving against traffic and plying  designated (BRT) Corridors and obstruction of vehicular movement on the highway contravenes the Lagos State Transport Reformed Law, 2018 and is punishable under the law. “All motorists, including private car owners, are hereby warned to henceforth desist from all forms of traffic obstructions, driving against traffic (one-way) and plying  BRT corridors,” Ogbara said. “It is disheartening to observe that recalcitrant commercial bus drivers and private car owners are in the habit of disobeying all road signs and signals in contravention of the traffic law thereby causing an impediment to free vehicular traffic across the State.” While highlighting the role of ‘Transportation and Traffic Management’ in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, Ogbara said Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court was created by the State Government to prosecute minor offences especially, those committed by traffic offenders. She stated that “the Mobile Court has deemed it necessary to sensitize members of the public on the State’s Zero tolerance to violation of traffic laws.” The Coordinator, however, enjoined the public to partner with the Lagos State Government towards ensuring the free flow of traffic on Lagos roads and the protection of lives and properties. Kayode Oyekanmi  Director, Public Affairs  Ministry of Justice 20th August 2021

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    Lagos Conducts Over 158 Forensic Investigations on Crime, 437 Paternity Related Issues

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    … Holds Virtual 5th Lagos Forensic Symposium The Lagos State Government has said its Forensic Centre has conducted about 158 crime scenes investigation and also investigated 437 cases involving paternity associated with child support and inheritance. Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) made the disclosure on Tuesday during the virtual 5th Edition of Lagos Forensic Symposium hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre and ITSI – Biosciences LLC, Johnstown, PA USA. While speaking on the importance of Forensic Science, the Commissioner noted that introduction of Forensic Science to Criminal Justice Administration has enhanced police investigations, and facilitated speedy identification and conviction of perpetrators of crime and also helped in the exoneration of innocent persons. “Lagos State Government recognizes the importance of forensic analysis, which led to  the establishment of  Lagos State DNA & Forensic Center (LSD&FC)  to support investigations conducted by the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies,” Onigbanjo noted.  He added that “the Center was commissioned in September 2017 while the Lagos State Forensic Biology/DNA unit and the DNA Database and Matching system attained ISO 17025:2017 accreditation in February 2019.” Onigbanjo noted that the violence that erupted during the #EndSARS protest in October 2020 had a negative impact on the DNA and Forensic Centre after it was attacked  and the complex  extensively damaged by a Mob alongside other public and private properties in Lagos State. He assured Lagosians that rebuilding of the Centre remains a top priority of  Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu’s administration. The Attorney-General noted that the 5th Lagos Forensic Symposium will provide up-to-date information on how forensic science is  applied in criminal investigations, law enforcement,  mass fatalities, sexual assault, wildlife trafficking and other related matters in Lagos State. Onigbanjo added, “the annual Forensic Symposium is targeted at Judges, Magistrates, Lawyers, Law makers, Police Investigators, Forensic pathologist/scientists, Medical practitioners, Emergency responders, students, NGOs and Investigative Journalists. kayode Oyekanmi  Director Public Affairs  Ministry of Justice 11th August 2021

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    OPD’s Governing Council pays a visit to the Attorney General

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    Today, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN received in his office at Alausa the Chairman and Board Members of Governing Council, Office of Public Defender (OPD) on a courtesy visit to assess the operating modality of OPD. The Governing Council which was inaugurated in August 2020 by Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu comprises of Mrs. Bola Tinubu (chairman), Ayo Olusanwo, Busola Akinbiyi, Babajide Badmos and Dr. Babajide Martins. The Chairman, Governing Council Office Public Defender,  Mrs. Bola Tinubu commended the dedication and passion of the members of staff of the Office Public Defender in providing free legal service to all residents of the Lagos State. Towards attaining the council’s mandate of  ensuring access to justice for all residents at no cost to them, the board members assessed the challenges faced by the office, solutions and discussed  the need to take the Office of Public Defender (OPD) to a higher level of performance with the new reform initiatives.

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    Federal High Court Declines Requests to Stop Local Government Elections in Lagos

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    A Federal High Court Ikoyi has refused requests by 11 political parties to halt the holding of the Chairmen and Councillors election into the 57 Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State. Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko made the decision in a ruling delivered this morning, 23rd July 2021 in Suit No FHC/L/CS/596/2021 which was filed by the Alliance of Social Democrats & 10 Other Political Parties against Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and Lagos State Government. Justice Aluko in the ruling upheld the submissions of the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) on behalf of the Lagos State Government. The Court declined jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit seeking to stop the conduct of the election coming up tomorrow 24th July 2021. In a similar development, the above decision of the Court was also upheld in another matter filed by the Youth Party against LASIEC & Another in Suit No FHC/L/CS/625/2021. The Court not only declined jurisdiction but vacated the Interim Order of Injunction earlier granted in the matter on the 12th July 2021. In view of the above, the elections in to the 57 Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas in the Lagos State will hold on Saturday, 24th July, 2021 as earlier scheduled. Members of the public are therefore advised to peacefully exercise their franchise by ensuring that they come out to vote and abide by the guidelines of LASIEC. Kayode OyekanmiDirector, Public AffairsMinistry of Justice23rd July 2021

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    Lagos Ministry of Justice Receives Nasarawa State Attorney General And His Team

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    …to understudy operations of Lagos MOJ Today, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN received at his office at Alausa, Ikeja, the Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasarawa State, Dr. Abdulkarim Kana  and his  team from Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice, on a one-day working visit to understudy the operations of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. The Nasarawa delegation was warmly received by the Lagos State Attorney General and his team comprising the Solicitor General and  Permanent Secretary, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, Director Public Prosecution, Mrs. Olayinka Adeyemi, Director Citizen’s Mediation Centre, Mrs. Abiola Oseni amongst other top Directors of the Ministry. The Attorney General Nasarawa State, Dr. Abdulkarim A. Kana during the visit sought for better collaboration between the two ministries to ensure an effective administration of Justice in the Country.

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    LASG Hands Over New Temporary Court Complex at Osborne to Judiciary

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    …to replace burnt Igbosere High court Lagos State Government on Thursday, handed over a new temporary Court complex at Osborne to the Judiciary to replace burnt Igbosere High Court. Recall that Governor Sanwo-olu promised to relocate the Igbosere High Court which was burnt in October 2020 during the EndSARS protest to a property located in Ikoyi. The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN said the Court complex is a temporary relocation while awaiting the rebuilding of the burnt Igbosere High Court Complex into a modern and sofisticated Courthouse. He added that the temporary Court complex consists of 8 Court rooms with equal  number of Judges’ Chambers,  Secretary’s office, Registrar’s office, General office for administrative staff, restrooms on each floor, Canteen, litigants’ room, and an office for the Chief Judge. The Attorney-General noted that the new temporary Court complex is equipped with the latest technology to enhance digital recording of Court proceedings. “In fulfillment of Sanwo-olu’s administration promise on the digitalization of court rooms in Lagos State, the temporary Courthouse is equipped with up-to-date technology,” Onigbanjo said. While handing over the Court complex, the Attorney-General implored the Judiciary to make maximum use of the Court House for the benefit of residents of Lagos State. In receiving the new temporary Court complex, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, appreciated the efforts of Governor Sanwo-Olu for his timely response to the challenge of the burnt Igbosere Courthouse by providing a replacement. He added that this temporary arrangement  will ease the trauma experienced by the Judiciary after the Igbosere High Court got burnt during the EndSars protest in October 2020. “The edifice will be a relief to the Judges whose properties got burnt during the End SARS protest which was quite traumatic because they are used to working and not being idle for a long period of time” Alogba said. The Chief Judge disclosed that Court sittings will be at 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday inorder to ensure the safety of the Judges and residents of Osborne Estate, Ikoyi. He commended agencies of the State government that assisted in the timely completion of the temporary Courthouse project. Noting that with today’s handing over of the Court house, speedy dispensation of justice in the State will be enhanced. Kayode Oyekanmi Director, Public Affairs Ministry of Justice 1st July 2021

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    LASG Arraigns Pastor for Alleged Landgrabbing, Forgery

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    The Lagos State Government on Friday 25th June 2021, arraigned one Rev. Godwin C. Godwin before a Special Offences Court sitting in Oshodi over alleged forging of documents and illegal sale of a plot of Land at Lekki Scheme1 area of the State. Rev. Godwin C. Godwin, a Pastor at Christ Salvation Divine Ministries International, was arraigned on a six-count charge by the Lagos State Special Taskforce on Landgrabbers. He is alleged to have illegally sold the plot of Land belonging to one Mrs. Halima Abdul – Malik situated at Block 108, Plot 8, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, within Eti -Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State before his arrest on Thursday, June 24th, 2021 and subsequent arraignment. According to the Coordinator, Lagos State Special Taskforce on Landgrabbers, Owolabi Arole, Rev Godwin was arrested following the investigation of a petition against him by the Law Office of Paul Onyeka & Co, Legal Practitioner on behalf of 83year old, ailing Mrs. Halima Abdul Malik. He said, ” The Lagos State Special Taskforce on Landgrabbers arraigned Rev. Godwin on a six- count charge before Chief Magistrate Micheal Olubi on Friday after detailed investigation on the Landgrabbing matter between the two parties “. Among the six -count charge are:  One, Rev. Godwin and others in month of May – June 2021 at Block 108, Plot 8, Lekki  Scheme 1, within Eti -Osa Local Government Area of Lagos conspired to commit felony contrary to section 411 Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.  Two, He resorted to self-help in the recovery of possession and engaged in acts inconsistent with Mrs. Halima Abdul Malik proprietary right contrary section section 2(2) of Lagos State Properties Law 2016.  Three, Rev Godwin is accused of threat of violence in the recovery of possession of landed property belonging to Mrs. Halima Abdul -Malik contrary to section 3 (1) of Lagos State Properties Law 2016.  While in Count four and five, the defendant is accused of illegal sale of land belonging to Mrs. Halima Abdul -Malik and fraudulently converting the sum of Two Hundred and Thirty Million Naira  being proceeds from the sale, to personal use.  Contrary to section 8 (1) Lagos State Properties Law 2016 and section 280 (1b) Lagos State Criminal Justice Law 2015. In count six, the defendant is accused of forcefully entering into landed property and maliciously destroying the gate and fence of the landed property belonging to Mrs. Halima Abdul -Malik. Rev Godwin pleaded not guilty, while his Counsel applied to the court to grant him bail in most liberal terms. The Counsel argued that the offences for which their clients were charged are bailable, and that they were ready to defend the case. The Prosecutor, Mrs Ruqayat Shomade, a State Counsel with Lagos State Special TaskForce on Land Grabbers,  Ministry of Justice did not oppose the bail application but urged the court to impose conditions which would make the defendant available for trial. In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Micheal Olubi granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N25 million Naira with  two sureties who must be resident in Lagos State, and one of the sureties must be a land owner in the State, while the other must be at least a grade level 8 Public Servant or a Manager in a reputable company   The sureties must  also have 3 years tax clearance and registration with Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA). The matter was adjourned to 22nd July, 2021. Kayode Oyekanmi  Director Public Affairs  Ministry of Justice 28th June, 2021

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