Lagos MOJ

Press Conference On Proposed “Occupy Lekki Toll Gate Protest”

Posted on February 11, 2021

OFFICE OF THE LAGOS STATE ATTORNEY-GENERAL & COMMISSIONER FOR JUSTICE Our attention is drawn to the planned protest scheduled for Saturday February 13, 2021 at the Lekki Toll Gate for and against the opening of the Admiralty Toll Gate. The State is aware of Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which guarantees the Rights to Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Assembly. However, such right does not permit the violation of the Rights of other citizens in the State. While the State recognises the importance of exercising the Rights to Peaceful protests, same cannot extend to blockage of roads and or preventing other members of the public from enjoying their Fundamental Rights to move freely within the State. Any person or group with such desire to Protest must also bear in mind the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Regulations 2021 which prevents any gathering beyond 50 and other safety measures including but not limited to maintaining Social Distancing and the use of face mask. The Attorney General hereby enjoins everyone to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 Regulations and any other extant laws in the State. The right to protest peacefully does not exempt anyone from violating laws. Any violator will therefore be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Furthermore, any individual or corporate body who incites or condones any act leading to the destruction of public and private properties shall be prosecuted under the extant laws and in addition to any penalty the court might pronounce, such person or body will be liable to compensate for any damage which is as a result of the action or inaction of such person or body. The Nigeria Police is equally urged, that in responding to any protest, it should respect the rights of the citizen as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and carry out their duties in accordance with the law. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State

Lagos District Prosecutors Handle Over 1700 Cases.

Posted on February 11, 2021

The Lagos District Prosecutors Office a sub unit of the Directorate of Public Prosection (DPP) has handled over 1700 cases at the State Magistrate Court in 2020. According to the Director Public Prosection, Olayinka Adeyemi, the decision to create the District Prosecutor’s Office was an administrative decision and the project has been closely monitored. She added that the prosecutors have established an operating protocol through which they give reports monthly, forward technical and special cases to the DPP for advice. The DPP said two District Prosecutors have been deployed to each of the Magistrate Courts in Lagos State to ensure that all charges brought in by Investigating Police Officers (IPO) meet the minimum threshold of a case and deserving of a criminal trial. Olayinka, who spoke during a meeting with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) noted that the District Prosecutors sift cases brought in by IPOs and if found not to be criminal cases they are forwarded to the Civil Court or restorative justice Court. “The sub-unit was established to sift cases that are to be charged before the Magistrate Courts, especially civil cases couched to look like criminal cases,” she said Olayinka stated that the government is gradually phasing out Police Prosecutors, noting that more Counsel will be needed to prosecute cases on behalf of the State. The DPP while responding to the issue on Plea Bargain stated that Law Officers usually serve defense counsel the proof of evidence that contain the case of the Prosecution. She said the directorate will afterwards consider making the Legal Advice available to Defense Counsel to help assess their cases and advice their clients properly on whether or not to choose the Plea Bargain option. She added that the directorate does not receive enough applications of Plea Bargain from private lawyers, saying the directorate is left to decide on its own the number of years to suggest by it’s sentencing guideline. The director also responded to the comment on the condition of State Correctional Centres and stated that a lot of efforts have been made to ensure decongestion of the Centres and the usual delay in prosecuting criminal cases. “Although the Correctional Centres are under the supervision of the Federal Government, nonetheless, the State is doing its best, working with the Judiciary to see to the decongestion of prisons, but due to the Pandemic and the Endsars Saga much could not be done in the past year”, She said. Olayinka said “For those Awaiting Trial, the Directorate now forward electronic copies of Legal Advice to the Magistrate Court as soon as its issued.” The DPP, however, implored all Lawyers to play their path diligently in promoting and improving the Administration of Criminal Justice, saying: both the Prosecutors and Defence Lawyers are ministers in the temple of Justice.

Lagos Auctions 83 Forfeited Vehicles For Violation Of State Transport Law

Posted on February 9, 2021

LAGOS AUCTIONS 83 FORFEITED VEHICLES FOR VIOLATION OF STATE TRANSPORT LAW The Lagos State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the State TaskForce on Environmental and Special Offences on Monday, 8th February 2021, supervised the public auction of 83 forfeited vehicles on the orders of the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court for the violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018.The auctioned vehicles were earlier impounded in different areas of the State. The auction which held at the premises of the State Taskforce in Alausa, Ikeja in accordance with the forfeiture order of the Court, had the Chairman of the State Taskforce, the Coordinator of the State Special Offences Mobile Court, and representatives of the Ministry of Justice present at the well organised and transparent public auction, attended by a large number of residents. Speaking to Journalists during the Auction, the Coordinator, Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court, Mrs Arinola Ogbara said, “there is a lot of processes and transparency to the public auction. Moreso, some of the people whose cars were seized have been told to pay a fine without their cars being forfeited based on the strength of evidence they presented at the Mobile Court. Driving against traffic (one way) has caused a huge number of accidents and untold losses to property and human lives.”According to her, observers have agreed that it is necessary to sanitise the state of reckless drivers who break the law with impunity. On his part, the Chairman of the State Taskforce, CSP Shola Jejeloye, while speaking with news men said the auction exercise was not meant to punish but to correct..“I do not see what we have come to do today as an auction but as a correction and detterent for some Lagosians. The Lagos Commissioner of Police has instructed us to go out there as policemen and do our best to ensure free flow of traffic” he said. The auction exercise was conducted by a licensed Auctioneer, Mr Ade Onanuga, of CR Limited Auction House. Kayode OyekanmiDirector, Public AffairsMinistry of Justice8th February 2021

Lagos Court Sentences Two Men to Death For Armed Robbery

Posted on February 5, 2021

A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on Monday sentenced two persons, Moshood Ogunshola and Wasiu Lekan to death for armed robbery in Lagos. Justice S. S Ogunsanya delivered the judgement in charge No.ID/359C/13 between Lagos State vs Moshood Ogunshola and Wasiu Lekan. The defendants, who pleaded guilty, conspired and robbed one Wasiu Rasaki of his Motorcycle at Ile Eja, Ikotun while armed with a machete. The robbers were arrested by the Police and arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit robbery and armed robbery which contravenes the Criminal Justice Act of Lagos State. The Prosecuting Counsel, Adebayo Haroun, urged the Court to sentence the defendants accordingly having found them guilty of the charges against them. The Trial Judge, Hon. Justice Ogunsanya found the two persons guilty of the charges, which is punishable under section 261 and 297 of the Criminal Justice Law CH. C.17 Vol. 13 of Lagos State 2015. “You are hereby sentenced to death on the counts of conspiracy to commit Robbery and Armed Robbery ” Justice Ogunsanya ruled. Kayode Oyekanmi Director, Public Affairs 4th January, 2021.

Federal Court Affirms Lagos Motorcycle, Tricycle Restriction.

Posted on February 4, 2021

The Federal High Court, Ikoyi on Wednesday 3rd February 2021 affirmed the position of Lagos State Government restricting the use of Motorcycles, Tricycles as means of transportation within 6 Local Government Area and 9 Local Council Development Areas in the State. Justice Liman delivered a judgement in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/173/2020 between Olukoya Ogungbeje V Lagos State Government & 7 Ors. It will be recalled that the Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, was in Court on Tuesday 2nd February to argue the originating summons which upheld the Executive Order as signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The Court in its judgment assumed jurisdiction in the case on the premise that both the Federal High Court and State High Court exercise concurrent jurisdiction over Fundamental Human Right cases. The Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Liman held that the applicant who admitted being a Car owner and not a Motorcycle or Tricycle operator cannot complain of his right in any form being infringed upon. Justice Liman, dismissed the originating summons of the applicant for lacking merit. He said, the applicant failed to place material facts to support his deposition as well as provide evidence for the alleged death of a person at Iyana Ipaja. “The restriction of Motorcycles, Tricycles within 6 Local Government Area and 9 Local Council Development Area in the State is not an infringement of Fundamental Human Rights”, Justice Liman ruled. Kayode Oyekanmi Director,. Public Affairs 3rd February, 2021.

Lagos court Sentences man To 25 Years Imprisonment for Defilement

Posted on January 29, 2021

Lagos State Sexual Offences Court, Ikeja on Thursday, sentenced one Nura Asumoge to 25 years imprisonment for defilement of a 13-year old minor in Lagos. The defendant was earlier arraigned by the Lagos State Government on a one-count charge in 2018. Nura Asumoge, who plead guilty to the charge, was said to have sent the unsuspecting underaged victim on an errand on 3rd April 2018, on her return, the defendant forcefully had sexual intercourse with the victim and threatened her from informing anyone. The Prosecuting Counsel, Mrs. Arinola Momoh-Ayonkanmbi, of the State Ministry Justice, had urged the court to sentence the defendant accordingly having proved beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the offence for which he was charged. She noted that several evidences brought before the Court by the Prosecution had proved the allegation of the crime levied against the defendant. The trial judge, Hon. Justice A.O Soladoye in her sentencing, stated that the evidences provided by the prosecutors were credible and compelling providing enough ground for the conviction of the defendant. Justice Soladoye found the defendant guilty of the charge, punishable under section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015) and sentenced him accordingly. “You are hereby sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for the offence of defilement of a 13 year old girl”, Justice Soladoye ruled. She, however ordered that the Convict, Nura Asumoge’s name be entered into the Sexual Offenders Register in Lagos State. It will be recalled, that the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the advocacy WALK against domestic violence organised by DSVRT, had emphasised the commitment of the State Government to ensure the safety and well-being of the Girl- Child and women in Lagos State .

Lagos State Mediation Centre Made a Giant Stride In Disputes Resolution

Posted on January 19, 2021

………resolves 13, 125, Recovers 402.3 Million in one year The Lagos State Citizens’ Mediation Centres in year 2020 successfully resolved over 13,000 cases as part of its contribution towards upholding Law and Order in the State as espoused in the T.H.E.M.E.S Developmental Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Administration. The Director, Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), Mrs. Abiola Oseni made this known during the presentation of CMC year 2020 annual report. According to her, the total number of cases received by the centre in year 2020 was 22,617 out of which 16,369 were mediated. 13, 125 cases were totally resolved; 885 cases were independently resolved by the parties without mediation; 128 cases were referred to appropriate agencies of government; 1,317 cases were terminated due to non-attendance at mediation sessions by parties involved while 1,837 cases are adjourned for further mediation. The reports further shows that the Centre recovered Four Hundred and Two Million, Three Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Three Naira (N402,313,603) on behalf of parties, being the total value of settlement of debt related matters. Speaking on the Annual report, Mrs. Oseni said this is an indication that the centre has the capacity to ensure the State is free from dispute. According to her CMC is established by the Lagos State Government to bring justice to door step of the indigents, decongest the courtroom, thereby accelerating the wheel of justice. She therefore enjoined Lagos State residents to visit any CMC office close to them and have their disputes settled free of charge. Signed Popoola Naheem Olaide Public Affairs Officer, Citizens’ Mediation Centre

Justice Ministry Rewards Outstanding Officers

Posted on December 23, 2020

In order to encourage efficiency and enhance the performance of Officers, the Ministry of Justice, on Tuesday, recognised some of its personnel for discharging their duties meritoriously In a ceremony presided over by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN and the SolicitorGeneral/ Permanent Secretary at the Conference Room of the Ministry, the recipients were encouraged to see the Awards as a recognition of their diligence to duty, and inspiration for better service delivery at their duty posts. Onigbanjo acknowledged and expressed pride in the sterling performance of Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, maintaining that the quality of support the State Government gets from the Ministry helps in upholding the rule of Law, hence, the smooth running of the state. The Attorney- General charged the Awardees to eschew professionalism and hard work, stressing that the recognition accorded them was a way of appreciating their contributions to the Ministry. In his words, ” Without an excellent team, the work of the State Government will not see the light of the day. The State Government is therefore blessed to have a team of excellent men and women at the Ministry of Justice. Without you, the State Governor will be like a general who has gone to battle without his troops. I may not be commending all of you personally for your contributions but I must assure you that none of your efforts has gone unnoticed. I have personally been taking records of performances and I can say that you have been on top of your profession”, Onigbanjo declared. Also speaking during Awards ceremony, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ms Titilayo Shitta-Bey, explained that the idea of the Awards ceremony was a way of promoting a healthy professional rivalry among officers in order to Continually promote the ethics of global best practices in legal service delivery. Shitta Bey challenged the winners not to relent in pursuing excellence but be triggered for higher performance in order to justify the recognition accorded them by the Ministry, assuring that the 2021 awards will be bigger And better as COVID affected the planning of this one. . The Award which were in three categories: Project, Junior and Senior. in each of the Departments and Agencies of the Ministry of Justice saw Mrs Yetunde Ajayi of the Office of the Public Defender emerge as the best overall officer of the Ministry of Justice for 2020. S/N Names of Officers Directorates/ Designation Category Office of HAG /CJ 1. Afolabi Tajudeen Chief Secretarial Offr. GL 14 Senior 2. Adeyemi Bamgbose Snr. State Counsel GL 10 Junior 3. Seun Akerele Statistician GL 08 Junior Office of SG/PS 4. Yinka Akodu Prin. State Counsel GL 12 Senior 5. Bosun Olokun Clerical Officer Junior ADMIN & HUMAN RESOURCES DEPT 6. Olorunosebi Abdullah Higher Exec. Offr. (GD)GL08 Senior 7. Femi Akanni Snr. Driver Mech. GL07 Junior 8. Damilola Alao (Miss) Project Staff Project COMMERCIAL LAW DEPT 9. Ms Omolara Omidiran Prin. State Counsel GL12 Senior 10. Kehinde Solademi Executive Offr. GL 07 Junior 11. Kunle Adewusi Project Staff Project DEPT OF LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING 12. Abdulfatai O Muheeb Asst. Director State Counsel GL 15 Senior 13. Gabriel Moses Project Project ACCOUNTS DEPT 14. Oladele Olorunleke Prin. Accountant GL 12 Senior 15. Olalekan Sanni HEO (Accts) GL 08 Junior 16. Deborah Akoje Project Project DCL 17. George Okeke Chief State Counsel GL 14 Senior 18. Adeusi Adetutu Prin. State Counsel GL 12 Junior 19. Kayode Ayansiji Project Project COMMUNITY SERVICES 21. Aina Olabode Prin. Soc Welfr. Offr. GL12 Senior 22. Soetan Moses Law Enforcement Offr. II GL 08 Junior 23. Sadiq Ojutiku Project Project PUBLIC PROSECUTION 24. Miss Tolu Onilado Snr. State Counsel GL 10 Senior 25. Mrs Olawunmi Modupe Solomon Chief Clerical Offr. Gl 07 Junior 26. Oduwaiye Ayoola Project Project ADVISORY SERVICES DEPT 27. Olusegun Peters Asst. Chief Secretarial Offr. GL 13 Senior 28. Oluseye Monsurat Osinowo Snr. State Counsel GL 10 Junior 29. Erinolu Mopelola (Ms) Project Project ICT UNIT 30. Kolawole Majeed Abiodun Computer Engr. II junior PLANNING RESEARCH & STATISTICS 31. Funsho Adetunji Wahab Snr Statistician GL10 junior PROCUREMENT UNIT 32. A.O J. Erisan (Mrs) Chief Procurement Offr. GL 14 Junior DCR 33. Odewale Monisola (Mrs) Chief State Counsel GL14 Senior 34. Falode omowunmi Bolanle (Mrs) Cleaner GL03 Junior 35. Adebayo Odufuwa Project Project PUBLIC AFFIARS 36. Funke Ojo Pub. Affrs Offr. GL08 junior INTERNAL AUDIT 37. Kuye Michael Internal Auditor GL08 junior B OTHER ANNEX DIRECTORATES A LAND GRABBER i. ii. iii. Rukayat Shomade Olowojide Wande Idris Alebiosu Asst. Chief State counsel GL13 Snr State Counsel GL10 Project Senior Junior Project B AG&PT I ii. iii. i. Demurin Aderonke Oyawole Shakirat Seun Adetoye Chief State Counsel GL14 Prin. State counsel GL 12 Project Senior Junior Project C Mobile Court Motunde Airat Prin. State Counsel GL 10 Senior D PAC I ii. Olakanmi Yemisi Afolashade Ishawu Asst. Director State Counsel GL 15 Project Senior Project E OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER (OPD) i. Yetunde Ajayi ii. Eniola Disu iii. Toheeb Adeyiola Asst. Director State Counsel GL15 Snr. State Counsel GL 10 Project Senior Junior Project F CITIZEN’S MEDIATION CENTRE (CMD) i. Ajiboye Folashade ii. Adeolu Okutuyi iii. Musa Modupe Asst. Chief State Counsel GL13 Security-watch GL03 Project

Attorney General launches the Manual for Prosecutors handling cases of Sexual Offences.

Posted on December 23, 2020

The Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, today launched the Manual for Prosecutors handling cases of Sexual Offences. The surge in the report and prosecution of sexual offences in Lagos State, necessitated the development of this manual to address the complexities inherent in the prosecution of offences of this kind and to complement the efforts of the State Government in bringing Justice to survivors. This manual which was developed in-house sets out the way allegations of sexual violence allegation (Rape and Defilement of a Child in particular) are to be dealt with and handled. It highlights the role of the Prosecutor in the Special Prosecution Unit and what survivors can expect from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. At the presentation of the Manual, The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme which is funded by British European Union(ROLAC) commended the Hon. AG for the initiative which will assist in the continuous training of prosecutors.

Re: Police Prosecutorial Power In The State Magistrate Courts.

Posted on December 23, 2020

… Position of Lagos State – Attorney-General The Ministry of Justice is aware of the current clamour by the Non-Governmental Organizations and Stakeholders to stop Police prosecution of criminal matters in Magistrate Courts in accordance to ACJA provisions. The Ministry, wish to clearly state, that the ACJA does not apply to Lagos State. Furthermore, there is no provision of any Law barring the Police from prosecution of criminal matters in Magistrate Courts in Lagos State. As such, the provision of the Law in Lagos State as it stands does not Bar the Police from the prosecution of matters in Magistrate Courts. However, the Ministry of Justice is always willing to investigate any issue that would improve Administration of Justice in the State. As a result, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN had directed the set – up of a committee to look into the matter and advice accordingly. The committee members are as follows: Arthur Worrey Esq – Chairman T. K Shitta-Bey (Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Justice) – Member Y. G Oshoala (Directorate of Public Prosecution) – Member Lawson Coker – Member Bayo Akinlade – Member Rukayat Owolabi – Member Arinola Ayokanmbi – Member. More importantly, the Ministry is currently in the process of reviewing the State Laws relating to the Administration of Criminal Justice. The Ministry hereby assures members of the public that they would be informed on the outcome of the committee’s report.