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Lagos State Ministry of Justice

PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS MINISTRY OF JUSTICE RECEIVES AIR FORCE PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS ON EDUCATIONAL EXCURSION.

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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through its Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), on Tuesday received Primary VI pupils of Air Force Primary School, Ikeja, on an educational excursion held at the Ministry’s Conference Room at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja. In his welcome address, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Adebayo Haroun, commended the initiative behind the visit, describing it as an important opportunity to expose young minds to the workings of government institutions and the justice sector. He expressed the Ministry’s delight at receiving the pupils and encouraged them to make the most of the experience by learning as much as possible about the administration of justice and the role of the Ministry in promoting the rule of law. A presentation was subsequently delivered by the Deputy Director, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Babajide Boye, who gave an overview of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and its critical role in the administration of criminal justice. He also highlighted the responsibilities of the various directorates that collectively drive the Ministry’s mandate of ensuring effective justice delivery in Lagos State. Speaking on behalf of the school, the Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Mr. Joseph Folorunsho, expressed profound appreciation to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice for the warm reception accorded the pupils and the opportunity given to them to learn about the justice system. He noted that the visit had broadened the pupils’ understanding of the important role the Ministry plays in society and expressed confidence that the experience would inspire them to become responsible citizens and aspire to careers in public service and the legal profession. In her closing remarks, the Director of the Restorative Justice Centre, Ms. Yetunde Ajayi, expressed appreciation to the pupils and their teachers for choosing the Lagos State Ministry of Justice as part of their educational tour. She encouraged the pupils to remain focused on their education, be law-abiding citizens, and uphold the values of integrity, responsibility, and respect for the rule of law.

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PRESS RELEASE – LAGOS SEEKS STAKEHOLDERS SUPPORT TO ADVANCE COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHEME

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The Lagos State Government has called for increased stakeholder support to advance the Community Service Scheme and strengthen the implementation of non-custodial sentencing and restorative justice in the State. To stimulate this objective, the Ministry of Justice ,Community Service Unit on Tuesday convened a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Programme at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja to collaborate,promote, support and advance the community service Scheme in the State. Speaking at the event,The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, and the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, ably represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Adebayo Haroun, emphasized that modern criminal justice systems must balance punishment with rehabilitation and reintegration. He noted that the Community Service Scheme has become an important non-custodial sentencing option in Lagos State, providing offenders with opportunities for behavioural reform while contributing positively to society. Haroun explained that the Community Service Unit plays a central role in implementing the Scheme by assessing offenders, assigning them to approved placements, monitoring compliance, and reporting outcomes to the courts. According to him, the Scheme has contributed significantly to prison decongestion, reduced the cost of short-term incarceration, and enabled many offenders to acquire discipline and maintain social stability while serving their sentences. The DPP stressed that the effectiveness of community service sentencing depends on robust institutional support, effective supervision, and active participation from both public and private sector stakeholders. He also called on relevant stakeholders to support offender rehabilitation through mentorship, vocational training, skills acquisition programmes, and approved placement opportunities. Haroun urged them to embrace the Community Service Scheme as a means of rehabilitating offenders, reducing recidivism and promoting safer communities, describing it as a collective effort towards a more restorative justice system. A major highlight of the programme was the presentation of testimonies by beneficiaries of the Community Service Scheme, who shared personal accounts of how the initiative contributed to their behavioural reform, skill acquisition, and successful reintegration into society. They expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for providing them with a second chance to rebuild their lives. While delivering the vote of thanks, the Director of the Community Service Unit, Mrs. Tomi Bodude, expressed appreciation to all participants and stakeholders for their contributions, noting that the engagements and insights shared during the event would strengthen collaboration, promote offender rehabilitation and reintegration, and further enhance community-based corrections in Lagos State. The Communiqué issued at the close of the programme emphasized the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, increased stakeholder participation, sustained public sensitization on non-custodial measures, including the mobilization of resources necessary to enhance the effectiveness, reach and impact of the Community Service Scheme across Lagos State.

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LAGOS ATTORNEY GENERAL CHARGES STATE COUNSEL ON EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION AND JUSTICE SECTOR REFORM

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As Ministry Holds 2026 Mid-Year Meeting with State Counsel The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, on Friday 19, June 2026, hosted State Counsel across Lagos State for the 2026 Mid-Year Meeting, themed: “Enhancing Service Delivery, Professional Excellence, and Justice Sector Reform.” at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa. The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has called on State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice to recommit themselves to excellence, professionalism, innovation and accountability in the discharge of their duties, stressing that the administration of justice remains central to good governance and public service delivery. Delivering the keynote address, the Attorney General described the Ministry of Justice as the principal legal institution of the Lagos State Government, entrusted with the responsibility of promoting justice, upholding the rule of law, and providing efficient, accessible and responsive legal services to government and its Ministries, Departments and Agencies. According to him, the Ministry occupies a central position in the governance architecture of Lagos State through its roles in legislative development, law reform, dispute resolution, criminal and civil justice administration, as well as the protection and promotion of citizens’ rights. The A.G emphasized the far-reaching impact of the work undertaken by State Counsel, reminding participants that every legal opinion rendered, case prosecuted or defended, law drafted and dispute resolved ultimately affects the lives of millions of Lagosians. Reiterating the human dimension of legal practice, he stated that “every file on your table has a soul in it,” explaining that behind every brief, memorandum, case file or policy document is a person, family, business or community whose rights and future may be shaped by the decisions and actions of legal officers. Pedro stressed the need for continuous performance review and accountability across all Directorates and Departments, adding that strategic engagements would be held with heads of directorates and senior officers before the end of the year to strengthen institutional effectiveness and enhance capacity building. He also encouraged State Counsel to embrace technological innovations transforming legal practice globally, including e-filing systems, virtual hearings, digital records management, legal research technologies and artificial intelligence, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, data protection and cybersecurity. Whilst making emphasis on the culture of mentorship between senior and junior counsel, AG urged younger lawyers to actively pursue learning and professional development, noting that leadership opportunities within the Ministry would continue to be based on competence, integrity, commitment, and performance. Pedro reaffirmed his vision of positioning the Lagos State Ministry of Justice as Nigeria’s leading public law office, while highlighting the achievements of the Ministry’s distinguished alumni in the legal profession, judiciary, and public service. Also speaking, Hon. Justice Iyabo Muyibat Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court encouraged State Counsel to remain steadfast and committed to excellence, reminding them that she once walked the same corridors and served within the Ministry of Justice before her elevation to the Bench. Drawing from her personal and professional journey, she urged officers not to become discouraged by challenges or periods when their efforts appear unnoticed, stressing that every act of diligence and professionalism contributes to future success. Justice Oshodi further explained that the principle of harvest remains constant, noting that individuals inevitably reap the rewards of the seeds they sow through dedication, integrity and hard work. Speaking earlier, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, described the meeting as an important platform for reflection, engagement and professional development. He noted that the gathering provided an opportunity to review the Ministry’s performance during the first half of the year, assess ongoing initiatives, identify challenges and strengthen institutional capacity for improved service delivery. Oyenuga said the meeting underscores the Ministry’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, innovation, and improved legal service delivery, urging participants to maximize the opportunity for professional growth and effective service. Delivering her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Citizens Mediation Bureau, Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju, expressed appreciation to the Attorney General, speakers, panelists and participants for their contributions towards the success of the meeting. The meeting also featured interactive sessions with distinguished panelists, including Professor of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Akeem Bello; Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ogun State, Mr. Gbolahan Adeniran; Partner, Africa Law Practice, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN; and Lead Partner, Priory Terrace Solicitors, Mr. Lanre Akinsola, SAN, who shared valuable insights on leadership, professional development, integrity, career progression and public service within the justice sector. The 2026 Mid-Year Meeting with State Counsel was convened to provide an opportunity for the Honourable Attorney General of Lagos State,Mr Lawal Pedro ,SAN,to engage directly with State Counsel on the Ministry’s performance during the first half of the year, discuss strategic priorities for the remainder of the year, and reinforce the Ministry’s commitment to service delivery, professional excellence, accountability and justice sector reform. The programme featured distinguished former officers of the Ministry and legal experts who have attained remarkable heights in the legal profession and public service who shared valuable insights on leadership, professional development, integrity and career progression.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS ADVANCES JUSTICE SECTOR REFORMS WITH LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN ACCESS TO JUSTICE, ININNOVATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY

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…Ministry Deepens Transformation Through New Infrastructure, Digital Innovation, Staff Welfare and Access to Justice Initiatives The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has recorded significant milestones in justice sector reforms, infrastructure development, criminal justice administration, citizens’ rights protection, and institutional strengthening as part of activities marking the Third Year of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s Second term in office. Speaking at the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Baguda Kaltho Press Centre on the 21st of May, 2026; the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, highlighted the Ministry’s achievements across various directorates, agencies, and specialised institutions, describing the justice sector as a critical driver of economic growth, public safety, investment protection, and social stability. According to the Attorney-General, the Ministry has continued to pursue reforms aimed at building a justice system that is efficient, accessible, technology-driven, investment-friendly, and people-centred. A major milestone recorded during the review period was the commissioning of key justice infrastructure projects, including the Nigerian Police Area Command “M” Headquarters at Idimu, the new Commercial Court at Tapa, Lagos Island, and the successful renovation of the J.I.C. Taylor Courthouse destroyed during the End SARS protests. The renovated courthouse now accommodates 24 courtrooms serving both High Courts and Magistrate Courts. The State Government also commissioned newly acquired official quarters comprising 34 three-bedroom flats for Magistrates and State Counsel in Ketu, with 10 units allocated to legal officers in the Ministry, the first initiative of its kind in Lagos State. In strengthening judicial administration, the Ministry completed the Deputy Sheriff Warehouse at Majidun, Ikorodu to ensure secure management of court exhibits and attached properties, while construction works also progressed substantially on the Magistrate Court Complexes at Randle Road, Apapa, Ebute-Metta, and the Combined High Court and Magistrate Court Complex at Igando. The Ministry further disclosed that the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS), one of the State’s flagship digital justice initiatives, recorded 35,461 criminal cases within the last three years, bringing the all-time total on the platform to 84,297 criminal cases as at May 2026. The database now captures information on criminal matters across Magistrate and High Courts, including defendants granted bail, inmates in custody, ongoing trials, convictions, and related biometric records. In the area of law and order, Pedro stated that the Ministry secured a landmark judgment regulating public protests in Lagos State, restricting protests to designated locations while safeguarding the rights of other citizens and protecting public infrastructure from destruction. On property protection, the Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers received 1,628 petitions between May 2023 and April 2026, successfully concluded 221 petitions, carried out 146 inscription exercises, restored several property owners to lawful possession, and prosecuted over 25 persons for land grabbing offences across the State. The Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) handled over 20,000 cases relating to domestic violence, rape, defilement, emotional abuse, cyberbullying, and sexual harassment during the review period. The Agency also inducted over 3,000 students into the Kings and Queens Club, reintroduced the 6820# USSD support platform, launched the “Ask INU” AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot, and retained Lagos State’s position as the leading State in Nigeria in the prevention and response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence for the third consecutive year. Similarly, the Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court adjudicated 58,342 environmental and traffic-related cases between 2023 and 2026, while generating ₦155.3 Million in revenue during the period under review. The Ministry also reported that the Directorate for Citizens’ Rights received 7,993 petitions, resolved 5,759 cases, and saved the State over ₦12 Billion through successful defence and dismissal of fundamental rights enforcement actions against the State Government. The Citizens’ Mediation Bureau (CMB) continued to strengthen Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms by receiving 117,575 cases and successfully resolving 49,854 disputes across its 16 sub-offices statewide. The Bureau also recovered ₦1.49 Billion on behalf of disputing parties through mediation interventions. In advancing access to justice for vulnerable persons, the Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD) received 27,457 petitions, handled 42,050 court cases, secured 1,759 judgments, and recovered over ₦301.5 Million on behalf of indigent clients. The Bureau also rescued 262 vulnerable children and represented 2,575 children in conflict with the law. The Lagos State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking was also revitalized, leading to the inauguration of 114 Local Government Focal Persons and Neighbourhood Safety Officers, while the State hosted the first Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking involving participants from over 18 countries. On legislative reforms, the Ministry processed several landmark Bills and Executive Orders aimed at modernising governance and improving justice delivery. These include the Administration of Civil Justice Bill, proposed amendment to the Tenancy Law, Restorative Justice Bill, Protection Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Bill, and the Lagos State Parking Authority Bill. The Ministry further secured assent to several strategic laws including the Lagos State Electricity Law, Victim Assistance and Witness Protection Law, Human Organ Harvest and Tissue Transplantation Law, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, and the Lagos State Government Staff Housing Board Law. The Directorate of Public Prosecutions issued 2,342 legal advices, approved 687 plea bargain applications, filed 1,485 criminal informations, and secured 391 judgments during the period under review. The Directorate also handled several high-profile criminal matters, including the successful conviction of BRT driver Andrew Nice Ominikoron for the murder of Oluwabamise Ayanwola. The Directorate of Civil Litigation also recorded major legal victories, saving Lagos State over ₦96.6 Billion in potential liabilities through successful defence of high-value claims instituted against the Government. Similarly, the Directorate of Commercial Law generated ₦5.56 Billion in revenue for the State while supporting strategic infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership projects, including the Lagos Bus Reform Initiative, waterfront developments, renewable energy projects, and power generation agreements projected to increase electricity supply by approximately 400 megawatts within three years. Another major institutional milestone recorded during this period, was the successful creation of two additional Permanent Secretary positions within the Ministry, a First in its history. This followed the upgrade of key agencies under the Ministry into full-fledged Bureaus, a strategic reform aimed at addressing the long standing

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PRESS RELEASE : LAGOS MOJ ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ADEBAYO HAROUN AS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS.

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………Appoints Ajayi Yetunde as Director, Restorative Justice Centre. The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has announced the appointment of Mr. Adebayo Haroun as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the administration of criminal justice in the State. The appointment, conveyed through an official memo from the Office of the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, reflects the Ministry’s strategic focus on enhancing prosecutorial efficiency, upholding the rule of law, and advancing justice sector reforms. Mr. Haroun, a Director (State Counsel) and seasoned legal practitioner and public prosecutor, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN. He has also served the Ministry in various capacities and possesses extensive experience in criminal litigation, case management, and legal advisory services.Mr. Haroun is expected to provide strong leadership in the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and further improve the quality and timeliness of criminal justice delivery in Lagos State. In the same vein, Miss Ajayi Yetunde has been appointed as Director, Restorative Justice Centre, Lagos State Ministry of Justice. Miss Ajayi’s appointment underscores the Ministry’s continued emphasis on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and restorative justice initiatives aimed at promoting reconciliation and reducing case backlog within the justice system. These appointments highlight the Ministry’s resolve to strengthen institutional leadership, improve service delivery, and sustain ongoing reforms across its various directorates and units. The appointments take immediate effect.

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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: LAGOS MOJ HOLDS RECEPTION IN HONOUR OF FORMER DPP, DR. BABAJIDE OLUMUYIWA MARTINS ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS PERMANENT SECRETARY, BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER

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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice held a reception in honour of the appointment of Dr. Babajide Olumuyiwa Martins as pioneer Permanent Secretary of one of its key agencies ,the Bureau of the Public Defender.(BPD) on Friday, 24th April 2026, recognising his distinguished service, professionalism, and commitment to justice sector reforms. The well-attended event, held at the Conference Room of the Ministry at the State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, brought together government officials, members of the Bar and Bench, as well as family, friends, and colleagues to celebrate this remarkable achievement. In his remarks, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, described Dr Martins as a seasoned legal practitioner and administrator whose wealth of experience will be instrumental in advancing the Ministry’s mandate. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring effective justice delivery for all residents of Lagos State. Earlier, in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Citizens Mediation Bureau, Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju, commended Dr. Martins for his exemplary career trajectory, noting that his appointment is a testament to his dedication, competence, and unwavering commitment to public service. She expressed confidence in Dr. Martins’ capacity to further strengthen institutional efficiency and drive impactful reforms within the Ministry. In his response, Dr. Babajide Olumuyiwa Martins expressed profound gratitude to God, the Lagos State Government, and all well-wishers for the honour. He also extended his sincere appreciation to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro; the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN; and the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, for their unwavering support, guidance, and confidence in his capacity to serve. Dr. Martins pledged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, diligence, and service, while working collaboratively with all stakeholders to enhance the administration of justice in the State. Goodwill messages were delivered by Hon.Judges of the high court of Lagos State, Directors,Friends and family members,State Counsel ,and other professional colleagues, all of whom highlighted Dr. Martins’ integrity, diligence, generosity and leadership qualities that have distinguished him over the years. The appointment of Dr. Martins represents a significant milestone in the history of the State Ministry of Justice, as he becomes the Pioneer Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of the Public Defender and Second Permanent Secretary appointed within one year by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for agencies under the Ministry of Justice (MOJ).

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PRESS RELEASE: THE REINTRODUCTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION EXERCISE IN LAGOS STATE-WITH FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT PRESERVED

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The narration in the media on the Court of Appeal Ruling in respect of the case on environmental sanitation in Lagos is not correct. In fact the subsisting Court of Appeal judgment in CA/L/381/2015 delivered on 23rd November 2021, is in favour of State Government. The Court held that the environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos State was valid and backed by law and that the fundamental right of the Applicant Mr.Ebun Adegboruwa (now an SAN) was not breached. It was Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa who was dissatisfied with the judgment that appealed to the Supreme Court. This was a case i personally prosecuted. The Supreme Court is yet to set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal and Unless there is a subsequent court of Appeal judgement which i am not aware of that restrained the conduct of environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos State, it will not be unlawful to have a controlled movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. The November 201C, judgment of the Court of Appeal, of the same Lagos Division, in the FAITH OKAFOR vs. LAGOS STATEGOVERNMENT & ANOR, cannot be regarded as the extant position of the law and can be said to have been superceded by the current 2021 judgment of the same court. Therefore if Lagos State government choose to restrict movement during the period of environmental sanitation exercise it will not be in contravention of a subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal. However what the government introduced is a controlled movement of residents during the period of environmental sanitation exercise without affecting the fundamental rights of movement and residents are free to go to anywhere they wish through roads and streets that are not blocked. In other words street where cleaning are on going may be blocked to protect people and officials involved in the cleaning exercise from motorists Lawal Pedro, SANHon Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice25th April,2026

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REJOINDER OF THE HONOURABLE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF LAGOS STATE TO ARTICLE BY OLUSEGUN ADENIYI ON “IS LAGOS STATE SHIELDING KILLERS”.

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The attention of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has been drawn to a publication titled “Is Lagos State Shielding Killers?” by Olusegun Adeniyi and published by THISDAYLIVE of 23rd April, 2025 which has now gain traction on social media. The publication references the incident of 27th August 2025 at Owode Onirin involving Inspector Manu Bala & 4 Others and where 6 traders lost their lives. The Ministry considers it necessary to correct the serious misrepresentations and unfounded insinuations contained in the publication. At the outset, the insinuation that Lagos State may be shielding Suspects connected with the unfortunate incident is entirely false, misleading, and unsupported by facts contained in the Police case file presented to the Ministry of Justice for Legal Advice. It must be observed that when violent crimes such as Owode Onirin killing are not properly investigated by the Police and no prima facie is made out against Suspects arrested they are entitled to the benefit of doubt and to be released. In the OWODE ONIRIN KILLING – Lagos Police Command has not helped the cause of justice in the matter. We hereby set the record straight. i. Following the incident of 27th August 2025 in Owode Onirin, the Nigerian PoliceForce, Lagos Command conducted investigation into the matter and subsequently forwarded the case file to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice for review and legal advice, in line with established prosecutorial procedures as sanctioned by Section 74 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, Lagos State. ii. The Ministry undertook a thorough review of all materials in the case file, includingwitness statements, statements of the suspects and other documentary evidence and came to the conclusion that there was no evidence that linked the Suspects arrested to the alleged crime. For instance, there was no statement of an eye witness in the case file to confirm that it was the Policemen that shot the deceased persons despite the fact that the incident was said to have taken place in a market. Contrary to the insinuation against the Ministry, the evidence in the case file revealed that it was the traders that attacked the Police Officers as they got to the land in dispute, dispossessed one of them Inspector Jibrin of his service rifle which a trader began to shoot. The Police Inspector was assaulted and had to be rescued by other Policemen who rushed him to nearby hospital to safe his life and for treatment of his injuries. The evidence in the Police case file also revealed that the only civilian Suspect arrested was not at the scene of the crime and his Alibi was confirmed by the police investigators. iii. In view of the sensitive nature of the matter the Ministry of Justice restrained itself from issuing a Legal Advice of no case to answer, rather a letter was written to the Police Authority on the 30th October, 2025 to conduct further investigation and provide evidence in the following areas; a. Post mortem reports of the deceased persons (Adeoye Taiwo, Akinloye Seyi, Wale Adebayo, Abraham Idowu, Dare Mufutau Salaudeen and Adeoye Akeem Aderemi)b. Ballistics Report of bullets extracted from deceased personsc. Examination report of the rifles of the officers; that is:– Insp. Manu Bala – AK47 Breech No. T22022– Insp. Ahmed Abass – AK47 Breech No. P21266– Cpl. Ibrahim Kasimu – AK47 Breech No. AG1600– Cpl. Ibrahim Garba – AK47 Breech No. ACC 2537– Rifle assigned to Insp. Jibrin iv. Meanwhile the Suspects remained in custody and their bail applications wererejected. Therefore, when after 45 days the Police Authority failed or neglected to furnish the Ministry with the outcome of its further investigation or evidence to link the Suspects to the crime, a reminder letter dated 17th December, 2025 was forwarded to the Police Authority. v. It was about 6 months after the incarceration of the Suspects and the Ministry didnot receive any response from the Police Authority on further investigation as requested that the Ministry issued Legal Advice LJP/HOM/2025/125/20 to the dated 3rd March, 2026 based on available facts contained in the duplicate case file to the effect that no prima facie case has been disclosed against the Suspects for the offence of Conspiracy to commit a felony or Involuntary Manslaughter contrary to Sections 411 and 224 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17 Vol. 3 Laws of Lagos State, 2011 and any charge against them be withdrawn. However, in concluding the Legal Advice it was clearly stated that the duplicate case file is retained and in the event that any evidence is discovered linking any of the Suspects to the crime, the Ministry shall not hesitate to prosecute the Suspects as there is no time bar for criminal prosecution. vi. It was after the Legal Advice was issued and served that the Police Authoritydeemed it fit to forward provisional Post Mortem Reports and Ballistic Reports to the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Ministry. The documents are being reviewed to enable the office issue comprehensive Supplementary Legal Advice devoid of emotions and sentiments. The decision not to prosecute, where evidence is insufficient, is not an act of protection—it is a constitutional and ethical obligation imposed on the Attorney-General to prevent wrongful prosecution and to uphold the integrity of the justice system. vii. Justice is not a One-Way but a Three Way Traffic –justice to the victim, justice tothe suspect and justice to the public. May we not see the day when a Justice Department will act on assumptions, suspicion, emotion or bias of the Police and not Prima Facie evidence to approve or commence prosecution of any suspect in this State or any State in Nigeria. Lagos State remains resolve in ensuring that justice is served in all cases and to all parties involved, without fear or favour. CONCLUSIONIn the light of the above, the Ministry is curious of the purpose and intent of the Police narratives to the Press on this matter. We believe that misrepresentation, misinformation and suppression of material facts in this

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LAGOS IS READY TO PROSECUTE ENVIRONMENTAL OFFENDERS

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The Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court was established on the mandate of addressing flagrant abuse of environmental and other related offences, with the intent to dispense justice by bringing offenders in line with extant laws and regulations in the State. This was affirmed by the Coordinator of Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court, Mr. Olufemi Adekunle. He stated this at the monthly technical meeting of the agency on the return of Monthly Sanitation Exercise. He said that the establishment of the Mobile Court was fueled by the increasing surge in environmental offences and reiterated the government zero-tolerance stance on environmental infractions such as illegal dumping of refuse, blockage of drainage channels, and failure to patronize approved waste management operators. He affirmed that residents or organizations found violating the regulations will be prosecuted accordingly..He further said that the Mobile Court is ready to prosecute individuals or organizations who flout environmental sanitation laws, putting the public at risk, and that anyone found guilty of littering, dumping waste improperly, or other sanitation infractions would face the full weight of the law. Finally, he urged everyone to comply with the laws by disposing waste properly, cleanliness of the environment and avoiding littering and dumping of waste in drainage, or engaging in activities that could harm the environment. JIDE AJIBOLAHEAD, PUBLIC AFFAIRS UNIT.

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