The Directorate of Public Prosecution under the Lagos State Ministry of Justice through its plea bargain committee, in collaboration with the Custodial Centres in Lagos State and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC II), organized a series of sensitization programmes across various Correctional Centres in Lagos on the 15th,22nd and 30th of May 2025 respectively.
The Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins ably represented by Mrs Adebanke Ogunode who led officials of the Ministry of Justice noted that the Plea Bargain process is in collaboration with the Restorative Justice Unit of the Ministry of Justice to give more awareness on their procedures as used in the Magistrate Court for minor offences.
He said, the aim of the exercise was to enlighten inmates on the Plea Bargain process and introduce the use of a New Data Entry Form developed to aid proper documentation and to track cases of interested inmates who have explored the option.
“Plea Bargain option is aimed at Prison decongestion and not a ploy to compel inmates to plead guilty to lesser Charges”Martins said.
Martins further emphasized that “It is in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu’s reform initiative in the administration of Criminal Justice in the State.“
He however noted that the sessions were interactive and impactful, with several inmates expressing willingness to explore both Plea Bargain and Restorative Justice options.
Lagos Ministry of Justice is committed to decongestion of correctional facilities in the State, ensuring timely access to justice and reintegrating offenders into the society.
Overall, the programme was a success and contributed to the ongoing efforts to enhance speedy dispensation of justice and decongest the Correctional Centres.
