Lagos State Ministry of Justice

Lagos Begins Rehabilation Programme for Sex Offenders

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The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA has began the provision of psychosocial support for willing sex offenders in a bid to curb sexual and gender-based violence in the society. Mrs Lola Adeniyi,DSVA Executive Secretary disclosed that the programme which is held in sessions and groups at the Kirikiri and Ikoyi Maximum Security Custodial Centre is facilitated by a group of trained Psychologists from DSVA and the Institute of Counseling on a weekly basis where inmates are expected to take responsibilities for their actions and enlightened on healthy sexuality. She noted that the sex offenders rehabilitation programme in partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State Command and the Institute of Counselling of Nigeria is also aimed at mitigating the risk of recidivism by sex offenders. Furthermore,offenders are also armed with peer and professional support to manage thoughts, feelings and behaviors that lead to inappropriate sexual behaviors. It is imperative that incarcerated adult sex offenders are rehabilitated and supported to reduce the possibility of them perpetrating the same crime if eventually they are reintegrated into the society. The inmates would also learn specialized strategies to deal with sexual addiction and sexual compulsive behaviors, amongst many other positive coping skills. Whilst the rehabilitation program does not offer amnesty or excuse abusive acts, it seeks to reduce any reoccurrence of child sexual abuse and rape cases from sex convicts in future. Providing Psycho-social support is in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu’s commitment and resolve to provide holistic response to Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the State and this rehabilitation programme is targeted at convicts from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri Apapa and Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Ikoyi . The Lagos State Government continues to reiterate its commitment to winning the war against Domestic and Sexual Violence, as it encourages victims and survivors of these heinous crimes to take advantage of support services which can be accessed via its toll free line- 08000-333-333

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Lagos Sensitizes Mushin Local Government Residents On Sexual And Gender Based Violence

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The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on thursday held its fifth local government town hall meeting  at Mushin local Government to sensitize residents on the rising cases of domestic and sexual violence across the State. The town hall meeting themed “It’s on us to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence”  is coming on the heels of the State Government’s resolve in heightening awareness about domestic and sexual violence amongst members of the community, inform them of the provisions of the laws and support services available for victims and survivors. Addressing the gathering, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi reeled out  the statistics in the past year, highlighting the prevalence of SGBV in Mushin Local Government Area and the need for all participants present to join hands with Government in the fight  against Domestic and Sexual Violence. The Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon.  Emmanuel Bamigboye ably represented by his Special Assistant, Mr Babatunde John Kehinde encouraged residents of Mushin to speak up if they are subjected to violence in their relationships in order to curb the rate of violence in the society. Mrs. Ronke  Oyelakin, the Chairman of Child Protection Network, enlightened the audience on the various forms of Sexual and Gender Based violence whilst urging people to stop victim blaming as this could discourage victims from reporting incidences of violence. She rather encouraged residents of Mushin to be active bystanders and expose abusers. Dr Adeola Obasanya, the Adolescent Focal Person of the Primary Health Care Board on her part,informed participants of the medical centres available to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Mushin some of which include Ayantuga PHC, Mushin PHC and Palm Avenue PHC. She charged sexual assault survivors to report immediately to any of these hospitals to seek medical attention free of charge The meeting had in attendance over 200 stakeholders drawn from Community Development Association and Councils, Community Development Authorities, religious leaders notably the Chief Imam of Oshodi Isolo, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, Mushin Branch, traditional rulers including market men and women, the National Youth Council of Nigeria,  artisans, captains of industries as well as other relevant stakeholders. The toll-free line for reporting domestic and sexual violence cases (08000333333) was inscribed on memorabilia and distributed to all participants. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of plaques to the local government  in recognition of their commitment towards ending Sexual and Gender Based Violence in their LGAs and LCDAs. The town hall meetings would be held in all the LGAs and LCDAs across the state.

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Lagos Trains CommunityPharmacist on Domestic Violence Care

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Lagos State  Sexual Violence Agency have trained no fewer than 50 community licensed pharmacists on the provision of immediate care and referral services for survivors of domestic violence. This was disclosed at the 3rd training for community licensed pharmacists organized by the agency on Saturday, 30th April,2022 Speaking at the training, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour- Adeniyi said the training is necessary for licensed pharmacists as the pharmacy is a safe space for many survivors of domestic abuse seeking medical assistance. She noted that community licensed pharmacies have consultation/ Counselling rooms which can serve as safe spaces for survivors of domestic violence to disclose their issues and receive assistance. A legal practitioner and Sexual and Gender Based Violence expert, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi enlightened participants on the relevant laws that regulate Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the state whilst giving an overview of the support services available to survivors Mrs. Atinuke Odukoya, Executive Director of Centre for Women’s Health in Nigeria facilitated the session on Gender Roles, Understanding Sexual and Gender and raising the index of suspicion. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Association of Community pharmacists , Lagos Branch, Pharm. Lawrence Ekhator reiterated the Association’s commitment in ensuring that survivors of domestic violence who present themselves at their pharmacies would be able to access holistic care and support through effective referrals. He however urged survivors of domestic violence to take advantage of the Speak to INU initiative and access help at their community licensed pharmacists as such cases will be treated confidentially. It would be recalled that the Lagos State Government had previously launched the Speak to INU ( I Need You) code scheme for survivors of domestic violence to access immediate help and support in the comfort of their local community pharmacies.

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LASG Expands SGBV Campaign To Mainland Local Government.

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As part of its mandate to curb all forms of domestic and sexual violence in the State, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has again expanded its monthly local government town hall meeting to Lagos Mainland. The fourth town hall meeting organised by the agency, themed “it’s on us to end Sexual and Gender Based Violence’ took place on Tuesday,5th April,2022 at the Lagos Mainland Local Government, Yaba is aimed at creating awareness amongst members of the community at the grass root level on issues regarding  Sexual and Domestic Violence. Addressing the gathering, the Executive Secretary Of DSVA, Mrs. Lola Vivour- Adeniyi in her opening remarks urged the participants to see themselves as active bystanders saddled with a responsibility to report cases of violence whenever it occurs. She therefore reiterated the need to regularly sensitize members of the public on the various forms of sexual and domestic violence. On her part, the Executive Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, Hon. Mrs. Omolola Essien assured participants of the local government’s commitment to ensuring all relevant stakeholders collaborate to rid Lagos Mainland LGA of the menace of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). The Hon. Chairman of Yaba Local Government, Hon. (Dr.) Kayode Omiyale who was ably represented by Mr. Michael Olufemi Babalola, the Human Resource Officer, reassured participants of his administration’s commitment in ensuring Yaba was rid of all forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer of Denton Divisional Police Headquarters, Ebute Metta ,SP Joseph Egwuonu encouraged residents of the local govt to report incidents of SGBV as the police personnel are regularly trained on ways to respond to such cases. Other stakeholders at the town hall meeting including the Coordinator of Child Protection Network, Mrs. Ronke Oyelakin, Centre Manager, WARIF Dr.Aniekan Makanjuola and  Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Yesufu Baqiah,  educated the participants on the effects sexual and domestic Violence has on not only the victims but including the society at large, whilst informing them of available resources at their disposal. The State toll free number to report cases (08000333333) was shared on fliers and other memorabilia. Whilst appreciating the State Government for bringing this campaign to the grassroots, the Representative of the SGBV Surveillance Team, reiterated  the community’s desire to work with Government in ensuring perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to book. The meeting had over 200 stakeholders in attendance, drawn from Lagos Mailand L.G.A, Yaba L.C.D.A, Community Developments Council, Community Development Authorities, Market men and women, religious leaders, community leaders, artisans, captains of industries as well as other relevant stakeholders were charged to take a stand against all forms of abuse in an effort to end this menace in the society.

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Oshodi-Isolo Residents Declare Zero Tolerance to All Forms Of Sexual And Gender Based Violence

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Residents of Oshodi Isolo Local Government have declared a zero tolerance to all forms of Sexual  and Gender based violence in the State.This declaration was made during the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence outreach to Oshodi Isolo local government in a bid to address the rising cases of domestic and sexual violence across the State The town hall meeting themed “It’s on us to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence” which took place at Oshodi Isolo local government on Wednesday,23rd of March, 2022 is designed to heighten awareness about domestic and sexual violence amongst members of the community, inform them of the provisions of the laws and support services available for victims and survivors. Addressing the gathering, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi reiterated the need for all participants to see themselves as mandated reporters, charging them that if they see something, they have a duty to say something and do something. She emphasized that the goal of the outreach is to raise awareness about sexual and gender-based violence, as well as issues regarding child abuse whilst making reference to DSVA’s data over the years of the increase in formal and informal reporting of incidents of rape, domestic violence and child abuse from Oshodi-Isolo LGA. The Chairman of Oshodi Isolo Local Government, Hon. Kayode Oloyede Almaroof who was ably represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Modupe Badmus encouraged people  to speak up if they are subjected to violence in their relationships in order to curb the rate of violence in the society. She added that parents especially mothers should always pay attention and listen to their children so that they can confide in them when they face abuse. At the town hall meeting, A survivor of domestic violence who pleaded anonymity shared her story of intimate partner violence of how she had experienced various forms of abuse including physical, emotional, and financial abuse by her spouse. She however revealed how she was able to overcome these obstacles with the assistance of the DSVA and has now become empowered and has  empowered others as well. She noted that all her children including the females who faced discrimination by her husband not to further their education because of their gender are now educated. Mrs. Atinuke Odukoya, the Executive Director of the Centre for Women’s Health Information, enlightened the audience on the various forms of Sexual and Gender Based violence whilst urging people to stop victim blaming as this could discourage victims from reporting incidences of violence. Rather she encouraged residents of Oshodi Isolo to be active bystanders and expose abusers. On her part, Dr Obasanya, Adolescent Focal Person of the Primary Health Care Board informed participants of the medical centres available to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Oshodi-Isolo some of which include Isolo General Hospital,  Oshodi PHC, Iyana- Ejigbo PHC, Ilasa PHC. She charged sexual assault survivors to report immediately to any of these hospital to seek medical attention for free. The meeting had in attendance over 200 stakeholders drawn from Community Development Association and Councils, Community Development Authorities, religious leaders notably the Chief Imam of Oshodi Isolo, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, Isolo Branch, traditional rulers including his Royal Majesty, Oba Adesina, Elewu of Elewu Kingdom,  market men and women such as the Iya Loja of Oshodi Isolo,  the National Youth Council of Nigeria,  artisans, captains of industries as well as other relevant stakeholders. The toll-free line for reporting domestic and sexual violence cases (08000333333) was inscribed on memorabilia which was distributed to all participants. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of plaques to the local governments in recognition of their commitment towards ending Sexual and Gender Based Violence in their LGAs and LCDAs. Recall that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency commenced Local Government Town Hall Meetings on Sexual and Gender-based Violence in January, 2022 at Surulere Local government. The town hall meetings would be held in all the LGAs and LCDAs across the State.

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Lagos Government Releases 21 Inmates

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Lagos State Government through the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy on Tuesday, released 21 inmates from various correctional facilities in the State. The exercise is pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution (amended) which empowers the Governor to exercise Prerogative of Mercy Lagos Attorney and Commissioner Of Justice,Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, who was represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-bey, disclosed this at the ministry’s conference room  while handing over the Order for the release of the inmates signed by MR Governor,Olusola Sanwo-Olu to the Correctional Service Authorities.. Onigbanjo said that the release of the inmates was in line with the commitment of the present administration in the State to Justice Sector Reforms through decongestion of the Correctional facilities. “This exercise will offer a second chance to the inmates in hopes that they will change their ways and be re-absolved seamlessly into the society”. In his remarks, Deputy Controller of Prisons, Lagos Command, A.O Aremu commended the State Governor for his efforts at de-congesting prisons across the State noting that the kind gesture will bestow succor and hope to the  beneficiaries.

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LASG, RoLAC Trains Senior Police Officers on ACJL.

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In a bid to ensure that fundamental human rights are protected, the rule of law upheld and to ensure quick dispensation of Justice, the Office of the Attorney General,Lagos State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) a program of the European Union recently organized a one day workshop for senior police officers on “The Effective Implementation of Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law, 2021”. The workshop which was held at the Adéyemí Bero Hall, Alausa, Ikeja was solely focused on Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and other sectional heads of police formation in the state. In his welcome address, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN commended the Commissoner of Police, Lagos State Command, AIG of Zone 2 and Alagbon for cooperating with the Ministry to organize the workshop. He noted that following the assent by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the ACJL on the 30th of September, 2021, it is crucial to bring together different stakeholders to enlighten them on the new innovations introduced in the Law to ensure effective implementation. Onigbanjo noted some of the innovations includes; the powers of chief magistrate to visit police stations, prohibition of media parade of suspects, prohibition of arrest in lieu, recording confessional statements, plea bargain amongst others. “The workshop will present an opportunity to discuss and understand the salient provisions in the law as related to victims, arrests and detention of suspects and safeguards relating to fundamental investigation and preparing a case for trial”. In his remark, the Commissioner for Police, Lagos State Command, CP Abiodun Alabi asserted that the imperativeness of the workshop cannot be overemphasized considering the strategic importance and indispensable role of the police in the administration of criminal justice. “The criminal justice system consists of the police, court and correctional centers whereby the roles and functions of these institutions are intertwined and mutually reinforcing in the effective and successful administration of criminal justice of any country or state”. CP Abiodun expressed the hopes that the workshop would greatly shore up service delivery and international best practices in criminal Justice administration within the State. Also at the event were the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Ms Titilayo Shitta-Bey, Director DPP, Dr. Babajide Martins, Magistrates, Area Commanders, (RoLAC) State Coordinator, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa, program facilitators amongst others.

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Lagos Urges Citizens to Promote Peaceful Co-Existence

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The Lagos State Government has charged citizens to be committed to efforts geared towards establishing peaceful and harmonious coexistence in the State. This was disclosed by Director, Lagos State Public Advice Centre, Mr. Tunji Dawodu at a sensitisation campaign held at Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Badagry. Dawodu who led the team to the community revealed that the exercise was part of the move to engage Lagosians on their role in promoting an harmonious society where development can thrive. Speaking at the event, the Director explained that the establishment of the Public Advise Centre  serves as the first port of call for citizens in distress and those seeking information and advice on their rights and responsibilities. According to him, in every human society, disputes and controversies are inevitable, and as a progressive government, we must continue to seek positive ways to manage these challenges and make the society peaceful and better. He declared that the State government has resolved to enlighten the citizens on positive approaches  in resolving some of the recurrent issues in the society noting that the  government is committed to due diligence and fairness in resolving issues. He addded that peculiar issues in our society such as marital dispute, tenancy controversies, property management, environmental related matters as well as family and inheritance matters should not be nipped in the bud immediately before escalating to unmanageable proportions  and threatening societal peace. He noted that the advocacy campaign  was designed to educate Lagosians especially  people at the grassroots on their rights  and responsibilities. The Director stressed on the free legal advice offered by the centre and referral of special cases to other appropriate Agencies of the Lagos State Government which according to him are always followed up till resolved. Responding to questions from members of the community, Dawodu affirmed that cases such as land grabbing, property theft, environmental pollution, tenancy issue, community dues are always referred to other agencies of government including Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Citizens Mediation Center (CMC) Landgrabbers, Administrator-General and Public Trustee, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA)and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency amongst others. While urging members of the community to always seek alternative dispute resolution channels  provided by the government, the Director emphasized on the need for people to shun violence and be law abiding Applauding the state government for the outreach, the leadership of the community attested to the free legal services and timely resolution of issues by the Centre, stating that the community development association would continue to preach the clarion for peace and harmony.

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36 State’s Attorney-General Forum Elect Onigbanjo, Others

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The Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice of the 36 states have elected the Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN) as the interim chairman of the executive committee. Onigbanjo was elected during the Forum’s inaugural meeting recently held on Monday at Abuja. The forum also elected the Attorney General of Nasarawa State, Dr. Karim Kana as interim secretary amongst others. The executive committee will run the affairs of the forum, arrange meetings, issue statements on behalf of all the 36 AGs, take positions on legal issues, advice the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and take legal action or review legal actions taken on behalf of all the States. Part of the executive committee mandate includes the pursuit of true federalism, adherence to the constitution, rule of law, independence of the judiciary as well as liaison with the AGF on behalf of the states on legal issues. Speakers at the maiden event includes the  Governor of Plateau State who delivered the welcome address whilst a former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN) delivered the keynote address. The next meeting of the Attorneys-General of the 36 States of the Federation will hold in the second quarter of 2022.

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