Lagos MOJ

Prerogative of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu Approves Release Of 104 Inmates

Posted on December 30, 2022

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, has approved the release of 104 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State. The Governor signed the release order on the 28th of December 2022 in cognisance of the Spirit of the Season and the New Year Festive Celebration. The exercise is pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1)&(2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria ( as amended). The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications in line with the applicable guidelines. The Council took note of the information provided by the correctional authorities, the nature of the offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioural conduct of the inmates. The approval for the release of the inmates is in line with the commitment of Mr. Governor to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms. Signed Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN Lagos State Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice 30th of December, 2022

Lagos Court Remands ASP Drambi Vandi

Posted on December 30, 2022

A Magistrate Court sitting in Yaba on Friday has remanded ASP Drambi Vandi who allegedly murdered Mrs Omobolanle Raheem on the 25th of December, 2022 at Ajah Roundabout, Ajah, Lagos. Lagos Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN who appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court, Yaba, applied for the remand of the defendant pursuant to Section 264 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos, 2015. Attached to the remand request is a one count charge of Murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17 Vol. 3 Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Chief Magistrate, C.A. Adedayo granted the request of the Honourable Attorney-General and ordered the remand of the Suspect for the first 30 days in line with the provision of the law pending further investigation by the Police. Also in appearance at the court includes the Solicitor/General, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, the, Deputy Director, Adebayo Haroun, O/C Legal Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command, Y.O. Cardoso and Assistant Director, O.R. Saliu while Moses Jah-Nissi appeared for ASP Drambi Vandi. The Court adjourned the case to 30th of January, 2023 for the review of the remand Order and ordered the case file be duplicated and sent to the DPP for legal advice

MOJ Rewards Outstanding Officers

Posted on December 23, 2022

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Thursday rewarded outstanding officers who have shown commitment and diligence at their duty post during the course of the year. The award cuts across all the departments,agencies and units under the Ministry of Justice. The honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (S.A.N), in his address at the ministry’s Y2022 merit award and end of year ceremony, commended the outstanding officers and members of staff for their efforts all through the year, noting that the management staff cannot work efficiently without the support of other staff members. “We appreciate all efforts to ensure the ministry runs smoothly, the Permanent Secretary and I can’t do this without you and as we go to war against citizens that break the law of Lagos State, when we turn back and see the formidable team from all the departments and agencies, we are sure of winning the war”. Furthermore, he stated that the sanity and safety that the State is benefitting right now is due to the diligence exhibited by law enforcement officers, prosecutors and drafters amongst others in the State. “Lagos is the safest state in Nigeria simply because of the work that you all have done. The assiduousness displayed by all is one of the reasons why Lagos State still enjoys relative safety which has resulted to a large influx of people. It’s because of the work you do in enforcement, prosecuting crimes, defending the State against frivolous cases and in drafting laws that ensures the state achieves its potential as a 21st century State”. The Commissioner however charged members of staff to self access themselves and make necessary adjustments where they are found wanting while making efforts to be better at their duty post next year. He commended the winners of this year’s prize for their efforts while charging them not to relent on their oars, noting that only excellence is good for residents of Lagos State while a lot is expected from the Ministry of Justice next year and beyond. He also enjoined those that didn’t win not to give up in their pursuit of excellence. Onigbanjo concluded by wishing members of Staff a Merry Christmas and prosperous new year in good health. The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey expressed delight seeing members of staff looking radiant and colorful. She noted that the award is necessary to serve as a morale booster for members of staff to be able to do more. She congratulated the winners while urging them to put in extra efforts next year noting that the reward for hard work is more work. There were various awards in different categories with winners emerging from departments in the ministry as well as agencies including Office of the Public Defender(OPD), Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Citizen Mediation Centre (CMC), Mobile court amongst others.

BOAGS FLAYS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ON INCORRECT DISTRIBUTION OF EMT LEVY

Posted on December 3, 2022

Urged FG to respect the Judicial process on London/Paris Club Loan consultancy deduction The Body of Attorneys General of the States of the Federation (BOAGS), has expressed displeasure over the Federal Government’s incorrect distribution of funds derived from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMT Levy) to the Federal, State and Local Governments. According to them it is in disregard of Constitutional and statutory provisions stating that neither section 163 of the 1999 Constitution nor section 89A of the Stamp Duties Act (SDA –introduced through section 48 of the Finance Act 2020) countenance the disbursement of the EMT Levy to the Local Governments. This was part of a communique issued and signed on behalf of members by the Chairman of the Body, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State as well as the Secretary, Dr. Abdulkarim Kana, Honourable Attorney General, Nasarawa State, from its second meeting held in Asaba, Delta State from 30th November and 2ndDecember 2022. According to the communique, SDA provides a sharing formula for the revenue derived from the EMT levy, with 15% of the revenue allocated to the Federal Government and Federal Capital Territory and the remaining 85% allocated to the State Governments. Therefore, the body insists that each Federating State must receive 85% of the levy derived from that State as the law provides.

PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS COURT REMANDS DR. OLUFEMI OLALEYE OVER ALLEDGED DEFILEMENT

Posted on November 30, 2022

A Domestic and Sexual Violence Court sitting in Ikeja on Wednesday has remanded one Dr. Olufemi Olaleye of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, over alleged Defilement and Sexual Penetration of his wife’s niece. The defendant was arraigned today, 30th of November, 2022, before Hon. Justice Ramon Oshodi, on a two-count charge of defilement and sexual penetration against a minor which is contrary to Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Olaleye pleaded not guilty before the court. Hon. Justice Ramon Oshodi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum, adding that the sureties must have landed property in the state and also provide evidence of tax payments in the last three years. The defendant must also deposit his international passport including his British passport. The Director, Directorate of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins, argued that the condition for bail is well noted in the law, noting that the charge against him attracts life sentence. However, Hon. Justice Ramon Oshodi ruled that the defendant be remanded is Ikoyi correctional facility, while he fixed trial for 19th and 21st of December, 2022.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE WEEK 2022.LAGOS SENSITIZES CORRECTIONAL CENTRE FOR BOYS ON VICTIM OFFENDER MEDIATION

Posted on November 25, 2022

As part of efforts to promote peaceful communities ,transforming the Criminal justice system and prevent re-offending,the Lagos State Restorative Justice Center on Thursday expanded its sensitization campaign to the Lagos Correctional Centre for Boys ,Oregun,Lagos in Commemoration of the Lagos Restorative Justice week 2022. Speaking during visit,the Coordinator, RJC, Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi, stated that the establishment of the restorative justice centre is to serve as an alternative dispute resolution and as a tool for decongesting the less serious case in the court system. “Restorative justice is a form of alternative dispute resolution and we are determined to deploy it as a tool for decongesting as many of the less serious cases in the dockets of the court system and invariably the overcrowded correctional centres”. The Coordinator further stated that during the Victim Offender mediation(VOM),the victim and offender are brought together to repair the harm while the offender is reintegrated back to the society to achieve a sense of healing for both parties . “Restorative Justice seeks to provide opportunities for victims, offenders, and communities affected by a crime to communicate (directly or indirectly) about the causes, circumstances, and impact of that crime, and to address their related needs.” Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi hereby reiterated the State Government’s resolve to ensure an effective dispensation of justice whereby people can walk into the centre to make enquiries as well as file complaints She added that the Centre is equipped with excellent and exceptional facilitators to ensure transparency and due process in accordance with the Criminal Justice system of the State The Coordinator and Principal of the Special Correctional Home for Boys, Mr. Iyapo, expressed his profound and heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the correctional facility to the State Government, Ministry of Justice and the RJ Steering Committee who have spared time out of their busy schedule to enlighten the boys on the benefits of restorative justice, its importance and workability.He however assured the committee members of the commitment of the school in further educating the boys and parents alike. Other Attendees includes members of the Restorative Justice Steering Committee- Director CMC, Mrs. Abiola Oseni, State Counsel, Mrs.Soewu and lawyers. The Year 2022 Rjc week is themed “Self Accountability:Aligning your actions with your values. It should be recalled that the Restorative justice week is held every November to create awareness about the benefits of RJ for the victim,offender,communities and stakeholders.

PRESS RELEASE

Posted on November 25, 2022

LAGOS PAC: COMMITTED TO OFFERING FREE LEGAL ADVICE TO RESIDENTS The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Public Advice Centre (PAC), is committed to providing easy access to information for residents seeking to know their rights and responsibilities while offering free legal advice on infringement cases in tandem with the State Government T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda on security and governance. This statement was disclosed by the Director of the Centre, Mrs. Husseina Akinnawo during a chat with the media team in her office recently. Mrs. Husseina Akinnawo stated that the Centre is an intermediary between the State Government and the grassroots who require enlightenment on the policies of the State Government. According to her, PAC also serves as a First Port of Call for residents in distress and a Directory for those who need information on where to seek recourse or help in cases of infringement by way of referral to relevant government institutions in accordance with the extant Laws of Lagos State. “The Centre is modelled according to the United Kingdom Citizens Advice Bureau now called Citizens Advice which resolves issues on limitless range of subjects”, she said. The Director further disclosed that the PAC has treated over 3 million cases and recorded notable milestones since inception in 2008. In the last one year, the PAC has attended to 8,987 cases ranging from free legal advice and referred cases from tenancy matters to debt recovery, domestic violence, consumer advisory services, violation of human rights violation, Social Exclusion and environmental related issues to mention but a few that are on its mandate which has helped to ensure access to justice and maintenance of stability in the society through the promotion of legal awareness. “To ensure that residents in the State take advantage of the services the State Government provides, the Centre plans to embark on more sensitizaition campaigns, using both digital and traditional methods, while planning to open Sub-Offices in the 4 divisions of Lagos State which will expand to the 20 Local Government Areas of the State and the 37 LCDAs for more residents to benefit” she added.

PRESS STATEMENT

Posted on November 20, 2022

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE LATE OLUWABAMISHE AYANWOLA COURT PROCEEDINGS THE STATE OF LAGOS V ANDREW NICE OMINIKORON – CHARGE NO LD/18316C/2022 As we approach the first post-humous birthday of Oluwabamishe Ayanwola, the Lagos State Government again empathizes with the family on the incident that led to the untimely death of their loved one. The Government wishes to reiterate that it will, through the Ministry of Justice, leave no stone unturned in ensuring the diligent prosecution of the Defendant- Andrew Nice Ominikoron. Towards fulfilling this obligation, the Defendant was arrested by the Police on the 7th of March, 2022. A five-count charge, which includes the offences of Murder, Rape, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony and Sexual Assault, was preferred against the Defendant and he has since been arraigned before Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the High Court of Lagos State on 22nd of March 2022. In the proof of evidence, the State lined up nine (9) witnesses to testify. Trial commenced on the 9th of May, 2022 and from the time of arraignment till date, the case has come up eleven (11) times. The State has called seven (7) witnesses with thirteen (13) exhibits tendered. PW7 whose examination-in-chief was concluded on 31st day of October, 2022 is now being cross examined by defence counsel and the case stands adjourned till 5th of December, 2022 for continuation of trial. The prosecuting team is being led by the Honourable Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions to underscore the importance and priority given to the case by the State. The family of Oluwabamishe Ayanwola is represented by Mr. Adeshina Ogunlana or counsel from his chambers. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, also sends a legal team to observe the proceedings. Remarkable progress has been made in the matter and the State has demonstrated its readiness and determination to ensure the matter is prosecuted to its logical conclusion by ensuring that all its witnesses are available and ready to testify. Between date of arraignment (March 2022) till date, 7 witnesses out of 9 have testified. The family of the deceased as well as members of the public are hereby assured that the trial of the Defendant is ongoing and the Lagos State government will not relent in its effort to ensure that justice is speedily served in the case. Dated this 20th November, 2022 T.K. SHITTA-BEY (MS) Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Justice

PRESS RELEASE

Posted on November 14, 2022

RE: COURT BARS LAGOS, OTHER STATES FROM CONTROL OF INLAND WATERWAYS 1. The attention of Lagos State Government has been drawn to online reports dated 8th November 2022 in BUSINESS INSIDERNG and shipandports.com.ng titled “COURT BARS LAGOS, OTHER STATES FROM CONTROL OF INLAND WATERWAYS” and “COURT BARS STATES FROM CONTROL OF INLAND WATERWAYS”, where it was respectively reported that by a recent decision of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt Division in Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/142/2022 between Bright Waters Energy Limited (plaintiff) and the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, River State, the Hon. Commissioner of Environment, Rivers State and Petroleum Financial Corporate (PFC) as (defendants), no state government in the country has the power or authority to legislate over inland waterways. The State Government is therefore compelled to write a response in the following manner because of the inaccuracies the report conveyed. 2. In a judgement delivered on the 17th of July, 2017 the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division in CA/S/886/2014 BETWEEN LAGOS STATE WATERWAYS AUTHORITY & 3 OTHERS VS. THE INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF ASSOCIATION OF BOAT OPERATORS & WATER TRANSPORTATION IN NIGERIA & 5 OTHERS. held that by the combined interpretation of Part 1 of the Second Schedule to the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, especially items 29, 36 and 64 of the Exclusive Legislative List the waterways cutting across International and State boundaries are to be declared as such by the National Assembly but there is nothing in the Exclusive List dealing with Inter-state waterways either in Lagos or any other State in the Federation. According to the Court of Appeal, item 64 deals with water from sources declared by the National Assembly to be sources affecting more than one State. The inland waterways within Lagos State are not and cannot by any stretch of interpretation be covered by any item on the Exclusive Legislative List under Part 1 to the Second Schedule of the Constitution. 3. The Court of Appeal held that absence of Lagos State intra-waterways in the Exclusive List and Concurrent List makes it automatically a Residuary Item that falls within the Legislative competence of the Lagos State House of Assembly. 4. The National Inland Waterways Authority dissatisfied with the above judgement of the Court of Appeal appealed to the Supreme Court where the matter is now pending. 5. By the judgment of the Court of Appeal referred to above, the Lagos State House of Assembly is competent to make Laws in respect of the Intra-inland waterways in Lagos State except the Inter-state waterway declared as International or Inter-state waterway under item 5 in the Second Schedule to the National Inland Waterways Act CAP N47 LFN 2004. Signed Hameed Oyenuga Director, Civil Litigation Lagos State Ministry of Justice 11th of November, 2022

Lagos Commissioner Bags Attorney General of The Year Award.

Posted on November 7, 2022

Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN ) on Sunday , received the “Attorney General of the Year” Award at the just concluded ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards 2022 held at the Landmark Event Centre,Oniru, Lagos. The Attorney General who was represented at the award ceremony by the Administrator General and Public Trustee, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi was honoured with the award in recognition of his outstanding performance as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State and his immense contribution to the transformation of justice delivery and promotion of the rule of law in the State. The Award is a testament to the highest standard that the Commissioner has attained in the law profession and the enviable position that he occupies in African legal practice.