….PLEDGES DEEPER COLLABORATION TO STRENGTHEN CRIMINAL JUSTICE DELIVERY
The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) to enhance criminal investigations, prosecution and the overall administration of justice in Lagos State.
The Attorney General gave the assurance on Wednesday 23 July, 2026 while receiving the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, psc, fdc, mspsp, MNIM, and members of his management team on a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, described the visit as a reflection of the strong and enduring relationship between the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police Force.
He noted that effective criminal justice administration thrives on collaboration among justice sector institutions and expressed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency cooperation to ensure the prompt investigation, prosecution and resolution of criminal cases in the State.
Speaking during the visit, AIG Akpanudom acknowledged the existing cordial relationship between the Ministry and the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and called for deeper institutional collaboration to address challenges affecting the criminal justice system.
He identified delays in the issuance of legal advice as a natural consequence of the volume and complexity of cases handled by the Ministry and stressed the need for sustained engagement to improve efficiency.
The AIG also advocated greater forensic support to aid criminal investigations and proposed regular joint training programmes involving police investigators, prosecutors and officers of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to strengthen case preparation, evidence gathering and prosecution.
Responding, the Attorney General welcomed the proposals and expressed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the Nigeria Police Force (FCID) on continuous capacity-building initiatives.
He noted that regular joint training sessions would further strengthen synergy between investigators and prosecutors, leading to more effective case management and improved justice delivery.
Mr. Pedro disclosed that the Ministry is making significant investments in modernising criminal justice administration through the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS), which continues to improve case tracking and coordination among justice sector institutions.
He recalled that the forensic laboratory was destroyed during the #EndSARS unrest, prompting the temporary conversion of the facility’s canteen into a laboratory pending the reconstruction of the main building. He added that the project is nearing completion and will soon be fully operational.
The Attorney General also highlighted the establishment of modern statement rooms equipped with audio-visual recording facilities to ensure greater transparency, accountability and professionalism in the taking of statements during investigations.
While acknowledging existing resource constraints, Mr. Pedro commended the dedication of officers across the justice sector, noting that the Ministry remains committed to maximising available resources while continuously pursuing reforms that improve service delivery.
Addressing the persistent challenge of land grabbing, the Attorney General urged residents of Lagos State to refrain from resorting to self-help or violence in resolving property disputes.
Pedro advised aggrieved persons to channel their complaints through the Office of the Attorney General and seek redress through the courts, emphasising that lawful dispute resolution remains the surest means of protecting property rights and preserving public order.
He reiterated that stronger cooperation between the Ministry of Justice and the FCID remains essential to ensuring timely investigations, effective prosecutions and the successful implementation of criminal justice reforms in Lagos State.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, expressed appreciation to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, and his delegation for the thoughtful visit.
He described the engagement as a testament to the enduring partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, expressing confidence that the strengthened collaboration would further enhance criminal justice administration, uphold the rule of law, and contribute to a safer Lagos.
