Year: 2025

PRESS RELEASE-LAGOS CHAMPIONS PRO BONO AND PUBLIC INTEREST LAW ACROSS AFRICA

The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Justice has reaffirmed its leadership in justice sector innovation and reform, as the Public Interest Law Partnership (PILP), in collaboration with PILnet, The Global Network for Public Interest Law, successfully hosted the 2025 Pro Bono Week and the inaugural African Regional Convening on Pro Bono and Public Interest Lawyering in Lagos. The three-day event brought together senior policymakers, members of the Bar and Bench, civil society leaders, and international partners to strengthen the pro bono culture and expand access to justice across Africa. The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, delivered remarks at the opening plenary alongside other distinguished guests including, former Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Ade Ipaye; Chair, UK Pro Bono Week,Toby Brown; PILnet Board Member, Kim Reed; and Co-Executive Director, PILnet, Julia Mayerhofer. Highlights of the event include; a welcome reception hosted by Banwo & Ighodalo, the launch of PILP’s Pro Bono Recognition List, panel discussions on civic engagement and regional collaboration, legal clinics, and a Legal Tech Exhibition showcasing PILP’s upgraded AI-powered justice portal. Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of PILP, Funmi Ayeni, emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in expanding access to justice, noting that technology remains vital to meeting modern justice challenges. Ayeni affirmed that the success of the convening further underscores Lagos State’s pioneering role in promoting public interest law and deepening the culture of pro bono service across Africa.

PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS ATTORNEY GENERAL CAUTIONS LAWMAKERS: CENTRAL GAMING BILL VIOLATES SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT

Lagos State Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has cautioned members of the National Assembly against proceeding with the proposed Central Gaming Bill, describing it as unconstitutional and a direct violation of a subsisting Supreme Court judgment which vests the power to regulate lotteries, gaming, and betting exclusively in the States. Speaking during a press briefing held on Wednesday, 15th October, 2025, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Hon. Attorney General , emphasized that the Supreme Court, in its landmark judgment delivered on 13th October, 2024, in Suit No. SC/1/2008 – AG Lagos State & 22 Ors v. AG Fed & 13 Ors, had clearly ruled that lotteries, betting, and gaming are residual matters that fall within the exclusive legislative competence of the States, except in the Federal Capital Territory. He warned that proceeding with the Central Gaming Bill, which seeks to repeal the National Lottery Act and regulate all forms of online and remote gaming across the country, would amount to legislating in defiance of the Supreme Court’s authority, violating the Constitution, and overstepping the constitutional boundaries of federalism. According to him, “Once the Supreme Court has made a decision on a subject, it becomes final and binding on all persons and authorities in the Federal Republic of Nigeria; including the Executive and the Legislature. To now attempt to legislate again on the same subject is to defy the Supreme Court, to violate the Constitution, and to invite constitutional chaos.” Pedro further noted that the argument by proponents of the Bill that it only seeks to regulate online lotteries and gaming is legally baseless, stating that “the use of technology does not change the character of the activity. Whether a lottery ticket is sold physically or online, the essential activity remains the same; a game of chance conducted within the territory of a State.” He cautioned that if the National Assembly proceeds with the Bill, it would not only amount to contempt of court but also trigger another round of legal disputes that could have been avoided. In conclusion, the Attorney General urged the Senate to decline concurrence to the Central Gaming Bill (HB.2062) in the interest of the Rule of Law, constitutionalism, federalism, and national stability. “This is not about Lagos State,it is about Nigeria, about protecting the integrity of the Supreme Court and preserving the federation as our Constitution envisions it” He said. Earlier in his opening remarks,the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, noted that the briefing underscores the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to transparency, constitutional order, and respect for the rule of law. He stated that the proposed Central Gaming Bill raises fundamental constitutional questions regarding the limits of legislative powers and the authority of the Supreme Court, making it imperative for the public to be properly informed.Omotoso therefore urged for proper dissemination of this information in order to protect the integrity of the constitution. Also in attendance includes the Lagos Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary,Mr Hameed Oyenuga,MD/CEO Lagos State Lotteries Board, Mr. Bashir Abiola-Are and Directors from both the State Lotteries Board and ministry of justice.

PEDRO RECEIVES CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS OF LAGOS STATE PAROLE BOARD

…reaffirms commitment to strengthen non-custodial measures in the justice sector Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN,Tuesday received the Chairman, Hon. Justice Candide Johnson (RTD) and members of the Lagos State Parole Board on a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Justice, Secretariat ,Alausa, Ikeja. The visit was aimed at officially introducing the Lagos State Parole Board to the Hon. Attorney General and to seek his guidance on the effective implementation of parole administration in the State, in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019. In his remarks, the A.G commended the establishment of the Lagos State Parole Board as a significant milestone in advancing restorative justice, reducing congestion in custodial centres, and promoting the reformation and reintegration of offenders into society. He assured the Board of the Ministry’s full cooperation and legal support in ensuring the successful operationalization of Parole Administration in Lagos State. Pedro, emphasized that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice remains committed to strengthening non-custodial measures and deepening reforms within the justice system to enhance fairness, efficiency, and access to justice for all. Earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos State Parole Board, Hon. Justice Candide Johnson RTD, expressed appreciation to the Honourable Attorney General for the audience granted the delegation and briefed him on the objectives and operational framework of the Board. He noted that while the Board has received its official Operational Guidelines and Protocols for Parole Administration, released in April 2025, there remains a pressing need for office space,logistics and administrative support to enable the Board to effectively discharge its statutory responsibilities. He therefore appealed for the assistance and guidance of the Ministry of Justice in facilitating the necessary institutional and inter-agency support required for the full commencement of parole administration in Lagos State. The visit underscored the collaborative efforts between the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Nigerian Correctional Service toward strengthening non-custodial initiatives and promoting a humane and reformative criminal justice system. Also in attendance, the Controller of Corrections, Nigeria Correctional Service, Controller George Daramola; Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Olusegun Peter Ogunnusi, Directors in the Ministry and other members of the Parole board.

LAGOS MOJ HOLDS YEAR 2025 STRATEGY RETREAT

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Thursday 2nd -5th October held a 3 day Strategy Retreat for all Management Staff ,themed: “Transforming Potentials into Excellence: Reflect, Recalibrate, Collaborate”, at Green Legacy Resort, Abeokuta,Ogun State. Declaring the retreat open, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, described the retreat as a unique opportunity to step away from routine tasks and reconnect with the Ministry’s vision. According to him, retreat of this nature are not mere formalities but “incubators of legacy,” citing the 2011 Retreat which produced the Ministry’s Vision and Mission Statements that continue to guide its culture and operations to this day. He recalled with pride how, earlier in the year, junior officers of the Ministry, including drivers, cleaners, and support staff;benefited from a two-day retreat on teamwork, time management, and service delivery, a tradition that was first introduced during his tenure as Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary. Speaking on the significance of the 2025 Strategy Retreat, the AG emphasized that management officers are more than just administrators, but mentors, role models, and standard-bearers whose leadership shapes the Ministry’s culture and overall success. Pedro highlighted the retreat’s theme, “Transforming Potentials into Excellence: Reflect, Recalibrate, Collaborate”, as both aspirational and instructional, urging participants to embrace excellence beyond competence, translate possibilities into tangible outcomes, and align their strategies with Mr. Governor’s vision for a Greater Lagos. He also charged senior officers to recommit themselves to continuous learning, foster inter-departmental cooperation, maintain balance for personal effectiveness, and intentionally mentor younger counsel and officers for long-term institutional strength. Speaking earlier,Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, in his remarks, commended the Hon. Attorney General for his exemplary leadership and vision. He described the retreat as a timely opportunity to reflect, refocus, and strengthen collaboration for improved service delivery in Justice Administration Oyenuga expressed confidence that the discussions and resolutions from the retreat will further enhance the Ministry’s efficiency and advance the goal of a Greater Lagos. The 2025 Strategy Retreat featured paper presentations from different departments and units, brainstorming breakout sessions, and an excursion to notable sites such as the historical Olumo Rock ,Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library and Museum. The Ministry expressed confidence that the outcomes of the retreat will further build a culture where talent is refined, aligned,elevated into excellence and ensuring that both the ministry and the various departments are positioned to deliver sustainable impact and innovation.

PRESS RELEASE – LAGOS ATTORNEY GENERAL MARKS TWO YEARS IN OFFICE WITH LANDMARK LEGAL VICTORIES.

…, ₦1.5 BILLION TAX RECOVERY, AND OVER 25,000 CRIMINAL CASES DIGITIZED The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, on Tuesday 30th of September, 2025 held a press briefing and media parley to commemorate his second year in office at the Ministry of Justice Conference room, Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja. Mr. Pedro, who was sworn into office on 13th September 2023 following his appointment by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and confirmation by the Lagos State House of Assembly, described the two-year milestone as an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and highlight significant accomplishments that have shaped governance, protected rights, and expanded access to justice in Lagos. In his address, the AG noted that legal advisory services to Ministries, Departments and Agencies have become faster and more efficient, while the prosecution and defence of cases on behalf of the State Government have been greatly strengthened. A landmark success was the Supreme Court judgment affirming the constitutional authority of Lagos State to regulate lotteries and games of chance, thereby protecting State revenue and entrenching fiscal federalism. He disclosed that the State has already returned to court to initiate contempt proceedings against the National Assembly for attempting to override the judgment through a Central Gaming Bill. On criminal prosecution, Mr. Pedro recalled the conviction of Andrew Nice in the BRT rape and murder case, describing it as proof of the Ministry’s resolve to deliver justice without fear or favour. He also highlighted the use of plea bargain, with 361 applications processed in the last two years, out of which 314 were approved, helping to decongest correctional centres. Additionally, 263 deserving inmates were released under the Governor’s prerogative of mercy, while 348 restorative justice cases were received, with agreements reached in 192. The Attorney General noted that although the Community Service Unit had faced setbacks in previous years, it has now been fully revitalised. The Head Office has been renovated with improved facilities, pioneer project officers have been absorbed into the Civil Service, and new buses, tools and safety equipment have been provided for effective operations. As a result of these interventions, 4,800 offenders have successfully carried out community service sentences in Lagos State over the last two years. Pedro revealed that the Lagos State Criminal Information System (LCIS), a databank automating criminal case records, now contains 78,982 cases, including 25,822 recorded between September 2023 and September 2025. This, he said, strengthens transparency and long-term criminal justice planning. On fiscal governance, Pedro announced that the establishment of Revenue Courts and a dedicated Revenue Recovery Unit has already yielded impressive results. He cited one notable bank that paid ₦1.5 billion in outstanding taxes following enforcement proceedings, with others now making arrangements to settle their liabilities. In safeguarding property rights, he confirmed that in the last two years, he signed 738 Deemed Grants and 810 Regularisation files, while the Lagos State Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers treated 982 petitions, enforcing sanctions against offenders in 124 confirmed cases of land grabbing. On the fight against human trafficking, the Attorney General reported that the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking (LASTAHT), which had been dormant since 2020, has been revitalised and recently facilitated the safe repatriation of seven Nigerian victims trafficked to Ghana. He stressed that staff welfare and motivation have been deliberately prioritised, with junior staff benefiting from their first retreat in a decade, senior management commencing a three-day retreat, and staff enjoying robe and litigation allowances, new buses, and functional elevators. For the first time, 10 flats have been secured as staff quarters for Counsel, reducing the accommodation burden on legal officers. Concluding his address, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, described the Ministry of Justice under his leadership as not just the custodian of the rule of law but a driver of social change and inclusive development. He expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his support, trust, and confidence in granting him the opportunity to serve Lagos State as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Delivering his welcome address earlier, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, described the occasion as a moment of pride for the entire Ministry. He noted that the second-year anniversary of the Hon. Attorney General provided an opportunity to reflect on the Ministry’s steady progress in deepening access to justice, strengthening fiscal governance, and safeguarding the rights of citizens. Oyenuga assured that the Ministry will continue to support the Attorney General’s vision and uphold the standard of excellence that has made the Lagos State Ministry of Justice a model in Nigeria’s Justice Sector.

PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS MOJ, OPD CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice through its agency,the Bureau of the Public Defender formerly known as Office of the Public Defender (OPD), has celebrated 25years of unwavering commitment to justice at a commemorative event, themed “Honouring the Past, Defending the Future,” held on Wednesday 24th of September, 2025 at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. Delivering his goodwill message,Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ably represented by the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, congratulated the OPD for its steadfast service since its establishment in 2000, describing the OPD as a shining example of Lagos State’s commitment to protecting the rights of the vulnerable. “The OPD has stood for the voiceless, defended the weak, and offered hope to countless residents whilst making justice accessible to everyone in the State” He said. Sanwo-Olu expressed pride in the various strides that the State has made in strengthening the agency by expanding its offices to more communities, supporting its governing council and prioritizing access to justice as a pillar of the THEMES+ Agenda. “Let it be known that we celebrate not only the institution of BPD but also the resilience of its counsel, the courage of its clients and the fate of Lagosians in the justice sector”, the Governor noted. Earlier in his remarks,the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, underscored the importance of reflecting on OPD’s achievements over the years. Pedro highlighted the agency’s growth from a modest office into a full-fledged institution that has secured landmark victories in criminal defense, human rights protection, family matters, child rights, and domestic violence cases. “For 25 years, BPD has embodied the conscience of our justice sector. It has stood in defense of those who could not stand for themselves and has expanded the scope of justice to the grassroots. Today, as we celebrate the past, we must also recommit ourselves to strengthening the BPD to defend the future of justice in Lagos State,” the Attorney-General said. Delivering his welcome address earlier, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, noted that the theme “Honouring the Past, Defending the Future” aptly captures the essence of the celebration. He explained that the occasion was not only to mark a milestone, but also to reflect on a noble journey of service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to justice. Oyenuga added that from its humble beginnings to its present stature, the Bureau has consistently affirmed that access to justice is a right, not a privilege; one that must be upheld with courage and integrity. Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Bureau, Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju, expressed deep appreciation for the remarkable turnout and support at the anniversary celebration. She assured that the agency will remain unwavering in its mandate, pledging that BPD will continue to innovate, expand its horizon, and defend the rights of the vulnerable, so that justice in Lagos State remains accessible and meaningful for all. The event featured goodwill messages from foreign partners, recognition of outstanding staff, and a panel session on the future of public defense in Lagos State. The celebration also brought together dignitaries and stakeholders from the judiciary sector, representatives of Pepperdine University, USA; Public Interest Law Partnership (PILP), NBA, Parastatal Monitoring Office (PMO), RoLAC, UNICEF, Civil Society Organizations,Directors, Heads of Unit and Counsel in the State Ministry of Justice.

LAGOS AG HOST CHAIRMAN, CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION,COMMISSION MEMBERS

The Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN on Thursday hosted the Chairman of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas and other commission members, during a courtesy visit at the Ministry’s conference room, Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja. Speaking during the visit, the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, commended the Commission for its pivotal role in sustaining professionalism, discipline, and meritocracy within the State’s workforce. He noted that the Civil Service remains the engine room of government, stressing that synergy between the Ministry and the Commission is crucial for the smooth dispensation of justice and overall governance. Pedro also emphasized that the visit was a valuable platform to deepen institutional collaboration, particularly in the areas of staff development, capacity building, and improved welfare, which are critical to sustaining an efficient civil service and advancing the mandate of the Ministry of Justice. Delivering her remarks, the Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting the Ministry in achieving its statutory mandate. She emphasized that fostering mutual cooperation would not only enhance efficiency but also ensure the continued development of a robust and responsive Civil Service in Lagos State. The Chairman assured that the Commission would continue to work closely with the Ministry of Justice and its agencies to build a vibrant, responsive, and forward-looking civil service that meets the ever evolving needs of members of staff in the State. Earlier in his welcome address, Director Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, noted that the visit reflects a shared commitment to strengthening public institutions, stressing that the Ministry values the Commission’s continuous support in building a motivated workforce and reaffirming that such collaboration is essential to sustaining excellence in governance and Justice delivery in Lagos State. The visit also provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on capacity building, recruitment of more State Counsel for the State Ministry of Justice and other strategic initiatives that would reinforce the delivery of quality Public Service to the people of Lagos State.

PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS MOJ: RJC, CSC SECURE COMMUNITY SERVICE SENTENCE FOR OFFENDERS

In line with its reform agenda and commitment to decongesting correctional facilities across the State, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through its Restorative Justice Centre (RJC), in collaboration with the Non-Custodial/Community Service Centre, has secured a community service sentence for two bakery workers alleged to have stolen from their employer. The workers were accused of stealing five (5) loaves of bread, with their employer insisting they must be prosecuted in court. However, under the Ministry’s innovative sifting process at the Magistrate Courts, a District Prosecutor reviewed the matter and referred both parties to the Restorative Justice Centre instead of filing charges. Following a successful mediation at the centre, the parties reached an agreement whereby the offenders would serve two weeks of community service, which commenced immediately. This resolution highlights the Ministry’s proactive approach to fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and accountability, while demonstrating the effectiveness of restorative justice in resolving minor offences.

LAGOS MOJ, ROLAC SENSITIZES STAKEHOLDERS ON PLEA BARGAIN AND DISTRICT PROSECUTOR’S SCHEME.

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice in conjunction with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme, recently organized a Second Stakeholder’s Meeting on Plea Bargain and District Prosecutor’s Scheme at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Addressing participants at the meeting which was a hybrid version of both physical and online, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (S.A.N) ably represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga; appreciated the presence of stakeholders and noted that their participation reflects a shared commitment to improving the efficiency, fairness, and responsiveness of the Criminal Justice System. “This meeting is a vital step in advancing reforms. The plea bargain mechanism helps to ease the burden on our courts and ensures quicker case resolution, while the District Prosecutors Scheme decentralizes prosecutions and brings justice closer to the people,” Mr. Oyenuga stated. The Solicitor General emphasized that the success of these reforms relies on stakeholder engagement, transparency, and collaboration; urging participants to share insights and propose solutions that will make the reforms both effective and sustainable. Delivering his welcome address earlier, Director Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their presence and commitment to justice sector reform. He noted that the meeting will offer a timely opportunity to evaluate the implementation of the Plea Bargain and District Prosecutor Schemes while identifying areas for improvement. “These initiatives are central to ensuring access to justice, reducing case backlog, and enhancing prosecutorial efficiency. We are optimistic that today’s engagement will deepen collaboration and drive sustainable impact,” Dr. Martins stated. Also speaking at the meeting, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa reiterated RoLAC’s commitment to supporting justice sector reforms in line with international best practices. She further recalled that under ROLAC Phase 1, a comprehensive plea bargain manual was developed, alongside extensive sensitization and training for prosecutors, defense lawyers, and judges. Highlighting that about 200 applications were received this year with 170 successfully processed. Ijimakinwa stressed that more still needs to be done to address issues of awareness, transparency, and stakeholder participation, also noting that the essence of the meeting was to review the current state of plea bargain, reflect on challenges, and develop practical recommendations for strengthening its implementation. The various Panel discussions which addressed salient and veritable tools of both initiatives was moderated by Director, Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, while Associate Professor of Law, Faculty of Law, Unilag, Prof. Akeem Bello facilitated the discourse on “Plea Bargain in the Dispensation of Criminal Justice in Lagos State.” In addition, Mr. Adebayo Haroun,SSA to the Attorney led the session on the “District Prosecutor Scheme”, providing further insight into the Ministry’s innovative approach to bringing justice closer to the people. The event was well attended by dignitaries including Hon.Judges in Lagos both serving and retired, Judges and Permanent Secretaries from the South West States , Controller of Corrections, Law Enforcement Agencies, representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), FIDA, Legal Aid Council, Magistrates, Facilitators , Directors and counsel in the State Ministry of Justice. The gathering provided a platform for robust dialogue, experience sharing, and the development of action points to guide the continued implementation of the Plea Bargain and District Prosecutors Scheme. The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to continuous engagement with stakeholders to ensure that justice in Lagos is timely, fair, and accessible.

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