Lagos State Ministry of Justice
Committed to bringing justice to your doorstep
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice celebrated the Birthday of the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga at a Special gathering held on Monday, 1st December 2025, at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Secretariat, Alausa.
…Deepens Public Understanding of Community Service Provisions Under the ACJL The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through its Community Service Unit (CSU), held a sensitization and medical outreach on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, at the Lagos Island Local Government Secretariat, Broad Street, Lagos Island. The event, themed “Justice that Serves the Community,” engaged residents of Lagos Island East and West Local Government Areas. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of All Chairmen in the 36 States, Mr. Williams, stressed that obedience to the laws of the land promotes safety, health, and responsibility. He noted that Community Service is not just an activity but a mindset that enhances security efforts and supports the growth of a peaceful and progressive society. He further stated that no administration can succeed without law and order.“This meeting is a call to action and a call to volunteer more,” he declared, urging citizens to work hand in hand with government as a duty, not a favour. Mr. Williams added that a city without laws cannot thrive, emphasizing the importance of civic responsibility and adherence to government regulations. Delivering the keynote address, the Director of Community Service, Mrs. Tomi Bodude, explained that the programme aims to deepen public understanding of Community Service as a lawful non-custodial sentence under the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL). She noted that Community Service rehabilitates minor offenders, restores public confidence, decongests correctional facilities, and prevents first-time offenders from mixing with hardened criminals. She also urged residents not to stigmatise individuals serving Community Service, stressing their capacity for reform and reintegration. In his Goodwill message, the Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Government, Muibi Alade Folawiyo, represented by the Vice-Chairman, Mrs. Balogun Monsurat Oluwatosin, reaffirmed the Area’s support for the State Government’s initiative. Similarly, the Chairman of Lagos Island West Local Government, Hon. Taiwo Ajibade Oyekan, represented by the Vice-Chairman, Hon. Issa Arulai Olatunji Folami, commended the Ministry for educating the public on opportunities for offenders to rebuild their lives. The sensitization programme recorded strong participation across both Local Government Areas, with over 400 participants drawn from Lagos Island West and Lagos Island East. Attendees were mainly market leaders and elderly members of the community. The medical outreach also recorded significant impact, with 50 beneficiaries each from Lagos Island West and Lagos Island East. Free health services provided included malaria testing, blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, distribution of medications, and health education for participants. Furthermore,The Director of Community Service expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, including Lagos Island Local Government officials, medical personnel, security agencies, partner organisations, and community members, for their collaboration and support. Mrs Bodude concluded by noting that the medical outreach demonstrates government’s commitment to community wellbeing through the provision of essential health services such as consultations, screenings, and health education.
…Reaffirms Commitment to Humane and Community-Centred Justice The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Restorative Justice Week, which commenced on Monday, 24th November 2025. The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, reaffirmed the State Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening restorative justice as a core pillar of the State’s criminal justice architecture. Speaking at a press briefing held on Thursday,, the Attorney-General noted that this year’s international theme, “Restorative Justice as Human Rights,” aligns strongly with the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, particularly under Security and Governance. He stated that Lagos State continues to champion people-centred justice and community-based peacebuilding—positioning restorative justice not merely as an alternative, but as an essential tool for promoting access to justice, healing, accountability, and human dignity. Pedro highlighted the progress of the Lagos State Restorative Justice Centre, established in 2022 as the first structured restorative justice framework in Nigeria. He reported that the Centre has received 360 referrals to date, with over 80 percent successfully resolved, resulting in fewer custodial remands, reduced court pressure, quicker justice delivery, and improved community harmony. According to him, the Centre’s interventions include victim–offender mediations, restitution agreements, community service sentencing as a non-custodial measure, and its first multi-party conferencing involving government agencies and a private business entity. The Attorney-General added that most referrals were received from the Magistrate Courts, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Bureau of Public Defender, and private legal practitioners. However, he noted the relatively low referral rate from the Police, stressing the need for deeper engagement. He assured that the Ministry will strengthen collaboration with law enforcement to enhance the programme’s reach and impact. Pedro further stated that Lagos State’s achievements have positioned it as a national leader in criminal justice reform, with the Lagos model being adopted across states including Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano, Abia, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory. He expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his continuous support, and to the Honourable Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, for institutional backing. He also commended the EU-funded RoLAC Programme, International IDEA, the Prison Fellowship of Nigeria, the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse, justice sector stakeholders, and community partners for sustaining the initiative. “As we commemorate International Restorative Justice Week 2025, we make it clear that restorative justice is no longer an experiment in Lagos State. It is now a permanent and indispensable feature of our criminal justice system,” he said. He further called on the Police, justice institutions, community leaders, and the public to continue partnering with the Ministry to strengthen restorative justice and promote peaceful, community-driven resolutions across the State. In her remarks, the RoLAC Coordinator, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa, emphasised the need to expand public awareness and deepen institutional adoption of restorative justice across Lagos State. She noted that referral numbers remain low compared to the volume of minor offences entering the system, describing this as an area requiring urgent collaboration. “We look forward to increased referrals from Magistrate Courts and even the Police,” she said. “Before now, justice was all about punishment and incarceration. Now we are saying the victim and the offender can come together, discuss what happened and its impact, and reach an agreement that ensures accountability while addressing the victim’s needs.” Speaking earlier, the Solicitor-General, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga—represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins noted that the annual observance provides an important platform for Lagos State to reaffirm its leadership in justice sector reform, strengthen public awareness, and highlight progress since the establishment of the Restorative Justice Centre in 2022. Oyenuga reiterated that restorative justice remains central to the Ministry of Justice’s commitments under the THEMES+ Agenda, particularly in advancing people-centred justice, reducing court burdens, supporting victims, and promoting peaceful conflict resolution across communities. He expressed appreciation to the Attorney-General for his strategic leadership and commended justice sector stakeholders, international partners, and community organisations for their collaboration in promoting humane and effective justice solutions. The Director of the Restorative Justice Centre, Ms. Adeshola Adekunle-Bello, also expressed gratitude to the Attorney-General and the Solicitor-General for their sustained leadership in advancing restorative justice in Lagos State. She noted that their support has enabled the Centre to evolve into a functional, impactful, and nationally recognised model for community-centred justice. She acknowledged the invaluable collaboration of key justice sector institutions—including the Judiciary, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Bureau of Public Defender, Community Service Unit, District Prosecutors and the Police—as well as partners such as the EU-funded RoLAC Programme, International IDEA, the Prison Fellowship of Nigeria, and the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse. She added that these partnerships have been crucial in strengthening restorative interventions and expanding access across the State. Adekunle-Bello extended appreciation to community leaders, civil society organisations, and the press for their continued support, and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to deepening restorative practices, promoting peaceful conflict resolution, and sustaining Lagos State’s leadership in criminal justice reform.
My attention has been drawn to the false and misleading statements regarding the release of convicted OLANREWAJU JAMES (A.K.A. “BABA IJESHA”) from the correctional facility. According to one Mr. Yomi Fabiyi, in a post shared on his Instagram page on Friday evening and published on 14th November 2025 in the Daily Post Newspaper Baba Ijesha was freed after being cleared by the Appeal Court. He stated further “I am also happy you were cleared by the APPEAL COURT of ever having sex/defile any child/minor. The 7-year-old story is a charade. We live in a terrible world, where sentiments and wickedness rise above the rule of law and truth.” This rebuttal is to clarify the release of Olanrewaju James, popularly known as “Baba Ijesha”, from the correctional facility and to correct the misinformation spearheaded by Mr. Fabiyi and currently circulating in the public domain. I. On 14 July 2022, the High Court of Lagos State convicted Mr. Olanrewaju James of the offences of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child, which incident occurred in 2013–2014 and 2021. He was sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment for sexual assault and 3 years for indecent treatment of a child on the 5 counts charge. II. Mr. James appealed to the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division in Appeal No. CA/LAG/CR/544/2023 and judgment was delivered on 28 June 2024. The Court of Appeal acquitted him of the offences alleged to have been committed in 2013–2014, contained in Counts 2 and 3 of the charge but affirmed his conviction and sentence relating to the offences committed in 2021, contained in Counts 4 and 5. III. The affirmed sentences were 5 years for sexual assault and 3 years for indecent treatment of a child, to run concurrently. IV. Dissatisfied with the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Mr. James filed a further appeal to the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/CR/757/2024 and on 29 May 2025, the Supreme Court struck out the appeal due to its incompetence. V. Thereafter, vide Suit No. SC.ML/333/2025,Mr. James filed a motion for leave to file a fresh appeal from the judgment of the Court of Appeal but on the 9th October 2025, the Supreme Court dismissed his motion for leave to appeal, leaving the decision of the Court of Appeal fully intact. Therefore Mr. Olanrewaju James’s release was not as a result of the Appeal court overturning his conviction or sentence. He was released solely because he has fully served his punishment and imprisonment term affirmed by the Court of Appeal contrary to the misinformation in the public domain. Mr. Olanrewaju James, popularly known as “Baba Ijesha” was not cleared of having committed offenses of sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child. The statements made by Mr. Fabiyi are therefore false, misleading, and irresponsible. Members of the public are hereby urged to disregard the same and Mr. Fabiyi is advised to desist from repeating or spreading the false statements in his own interest otherwise he and any media platform use in repeating or spreading such misinformation may be liable for criminal prosecution by the office of the Attorney General for the offense of publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public contrary to Section 39 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State 2015. Mr. Lawal Pedro, SANHonorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State.17th November, 2025.
The two-day Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking, which began on Thursday, October 23, 2025, was formally concluded with a closing dinner hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice The event took place on Friday evening at the Radisson Blu Hotel,GRA, Ikeja. In his closing remarks, Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, expressed profound gratitude to all delegates and partners for their participation and valuable contributions. He described the colloquium as a significant milestone in strengthening Africa’s unified response to human trafficking and exploitation. Pedro reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to enhancing regional collaboration, supporting survivors, and enforcing stronger legal measures to combat trafficking and ritual crimes. He emphasized that Lagos would continue to spearhead initiatives promoting justice, dignity, and protection for all. Professor Cameron McCollum, Director of the Sudreau Global Justice Institute at Pepperdine University, commended participants for their courage in confronting such a difficult and often taboo subject. He noted that the discussions over the past two days had “shed light on a darkness long left unspoken,” and stressed that collective determination is essential for lasting change. McCollum also praised the Lagos State Government for its hospitality and leadership, describing the coordination of the Attorney General as instrumental to the colloquium’s success. He expressed confidence that the colloquium’s impact would extend beyond Nigeria, inspiring a sustained continental effort against human trafficking and ritual abuse. The event provided a powerful platform for delegates to reflect on the key outcomes of the colloquium and reaffirm their shared commitment to combating human trafficking and ritual abuse across Africa.
… clamours for a united continental action against ritual abuse and sacrifice. The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, in partnership with the Sudreau Global Justice Institute, Pepperdine University, USA, has hosted the Inaugural 2025 Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA. The event, themed “A United Front Against Ritual Abuse and Sacrifice,” brought together leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in the justice system. Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro SAN, described the program as a “continental call to conscience and an urgent movement to reclaim the sanctity of human life in Africa. He called for a united continental action against ritual abuse and human sacrifice, emphasizing that the time has come for Africa to confront these crimes with courage, coordination, and conviction. Pedro also stated that ritual abuse and human sacrifice are no longer myths or isolated incidents but expanding criminal enterprises destroying lives across communities. “Too often, these crimes are treated as customs shrouded in silence and buried by fear,but silence has never protected the vulnerable; silence only protects the oppressor.” Citing recent tragic cases, the AG recounted several incidents across Nigeria, including the abduction and murder of two seven-year-old cousins, Chizaram and Chidinma Onuche, in Port Harcourt; the ritual killing of a 23-year-old student by a cleric in Ilorin; and the arrest of two pastors found with coffins and human skulls in Rivers State. Pedro referenced a data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicating that over 150 ritual killings were recorded in Nigeria within six months, many involving young persons deceived by the lure of “quick wealth.” He noted that between 2022 and 2024, over 4,753 victims of trafficking were rescued and supported by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), whose Commander serves as Co-Chair of the Lagos Task Force. He added that the State has expanded its shelters to support survivors, including minors and persons with disabilities; reached over five million residents through awareness campaigns; trained 109 community anti-trafficking advocates; and provided psychosocial and reintegration support to hundreds of survivors. Highlighting one of the State’s most recent legal milestones, the Attorney General recalled the enactment of the Lagos State Organ Harvesting Prohibition Law 2024, which criminalises the removal, sale, or trafficking of human organs under any guise. The law imposes stringent penalties on offenders, including medical practitioners and criminal syndicates involved in organ trafficking. The AG emphasized that the fight against human trafficking cannot be won by any nation alone, calling for stronger regional collaboration and unity across Africa. Concluding his address, Pedro urged delegates to use the two-day colloquium to strengthen partnerships and reaffirm their shared commitment to protecting human dignity, stating that only through unity and cooperation can Africa safeguard its most vulnerable and uphold the value of human life.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has called on African leaders to form a united front against human trafficking, ritual abuse, and human sacrifice, as he declared open the Inaugural 2025 Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking, currently holding at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Thursday 23rd to Friday 24th October, 2025. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Governor ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the colloquium as a defining moment for Africa’s collective conscience, urging governments and communities to work together to dismantle the networks enabling human trafficking and ritual exploitation. “This evil knows no boundaries. We must confront and defeat the dangerous myths that fuel ritual abuse—myths that wrongly link power or success to the taking of human life. Our people are not for sale, our children are not sacrifices, and our future will never be built on fear or blood ,” he said. Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the State’s commitment through the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, which continues to strengthen prosecution systems, rehabilitate survivors, and raise public awareness in collaboration with NAPTIP and international partners. Representing the Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, represented by Ezine Nwokoro, commended the organisers for addressing ritual trafficking, describing it as a “deeply disturbing layer” to human exploitation. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to legislative reforms, stronger partnerships with NAPTIP, and enhanced international cooperation to prevent and prosecute trafficking in persons. Delivering a keynote speech earlier, Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, described the colloquium as a “continental call to conscience,” noting that ritual killings and trafficking have become organised, commercialized, and transnational crimes. “Africa must rise; not in rhetoric but in responsibility,From prevention to prosecution, we must transform policies into laws and laws into action for the protection and rehabilitation of victims” He said. He further revealed that between 2022 and 2024, over 4,700 victims of trafficking were rescued and supported in Lagos, while the State enacted the Organ Harvesting Prohibition Law (2024) to tackle the illegal trade in human organs for ritual and exploitative purposes. The AG appreciated Pepperdine University and the Sudreau Global Justice Institute for their partnership since 2022, noting that Africa “does not lack capacity—only courage, coordination, and conviction.” Pedro urged stakeholders to make the colloquium a turning point in ending child killings, exploitation, and ritual abuse, affirming Lagos State’s commitment to lead legal reform and collaboration across Africa in the fight against human trafficking. Delivering her remarks, Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta L. Adamu Bello, OON, ably represented by the Director, Research and Program Development, Mr. Josiah Emerole emphasized the deep-rooted connection between ritual practices and human trafficking across Africa, warning that traffickers increasingly exploit cultural fears and spiritual manipulation to control victims. “These oaths are enforced not with guns or chains, but with deep-seated cultural fears. Ritual abuse has not disappeared; it has only evolved, crossing borders and complicating trafficking investigations”, She said. Binta urged participants to break the culture of silence, strengthen victim support systems, and promote regional and global collaboration, adding that “the lives of our children, women, and men are too precious to be sacrificed at the altar of greed, culture, or superstition”. Lagos Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary,Mr Hameed Oyenuga on his part welcomed all delegates while clamouring for better framework that will protect the most vulnerable -children, women and young people from exploitation . The colloquium, themed “A United Front Against Ritual Abuse and Sacrifice,” was convened by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Sudreau Global Justice Institute of Pepperdine University (USA) and supported by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The two-day colloquium will feature breakout sessions and discussions on the Foundation and identification of ritual abuse and Sacrifice,Victims and survivors, Investigation and Prosecution, the role of faith leaders and Community and probable solutions in curbing the menace of Rituals and human trafficking in Africa.. Dignitaries present include,Honorable Speaker, LAHA, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, ably represented by Hon. Bonu Solomon; Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba; Director, Sudreau Global Justice Institute, Pepperdine University,USA, Prof Camerjon McCollum; Judges, Magistrates, Permanent Secretaries; Attorneys Generals, ,Rep of Pepperdine University,NAPTIP,DSVA,NCS,NBA,LNSC,NIS,Directors staff of the Lagos Ministry of Justice.
The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Justice has reaffirmed its leadership in justice sector innovation and reform, as the Public Interest Law Partnership (PILP), in collaboration with PILnet, The Global Network for Public Interest Law, successfully hosted the 2025 Pro Bono Week and the inaugural African Regional Convening on Pro Bono and Public Interest Lawyering in Lagos. The three-day event brought together senior policymakers, members of the Bar and Bench, civil society leaders, and international partners to strengthen the pro bono culture and expand access to justice across Africa. The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, delivered remarks at the opening plenary alongside other distinguished guests including, former Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Ade Ipaye; Chair, UK Pro Bono Week,Toby Brown; PILnet Board Member, Kim Reed; and Co-Executive Director, PILnet, Julia Mayerhofer. Highlights of the event include; a welcome reception hosted by Banwo & Ighodalo, the launch of PILP’s Pro Bono Recognition List, panel discussions on civic engagement and regional collaboration, legal clinics, and a Legal Tech Exhibition showcasing PILP’s upgraded AI-powered justice portal. Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of PILP, Funmi Ayeni, emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in expanding access to justice, noting that technology remains vital to meeting modern justice challenges. Ayeni affirmed that the success of the convening further underscores Lagos State’s pioneering role in promoting public interest law and deepening the culture of pro bono service across Africa.
Lagos State Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has cautioned members of the National Assembly against proceeding with the proposed Central Gaming Bill, describing it as unconstitutional and a direct violation of a subsisting Supreme Court judgment which vests the power to regulate lotteries, gaming, and betting exclusively in the States. Speaking during a press briefing held on Wednesday, 15th October, 2025, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Hon. Attorney General , emphasized that the Supreme Court, in its landmark judgment delivered on 13th October, 2024, in Suit No. SC/1/2008 – AG Lagos State & 22 Ors v. AG Fed & 13 Ors, had clearly ruled that lotteries, betting, and gaming are residual matters that fall within the exclusive legislative competence of the States, except in the Federal Capital Territory. He warned that proceeding with the Central Gaming Bill, which seeks to repeal the National Lottery Act and regulate all forms of online and remote gaming across the country, would amount to legislating in defiance of the Supreme Court’s authority, violating the Constitution, and overstepping the constitutional boundaries of federalism. According to him, “Once the Supreme Court has made a decision on a subject, it becomes final and binding on all persons and authorities in the Federal Republic of Nigeria; including the Executive and the Legislature. To now attempt to legislate again on the same subject is to defy the Supreme Court, to violate the Constitution, and to invite constitutional chaos.” Pedro further noted that the argument by proponents of the Bill that it only seeks to regulate online lotteries and gaming is legally baseless, stating that “the use of technology does not change the character of the activity. Whether a lottery ticket is sold physically or online, the essential activity remains the same; a game of chance conducted within the territory of a State.” He cautioned that if the National Assembly proceeds with the Bill, it would not only amount to contempt of court but also trigger another round of legal disputes that could have been avoided. In conclusion, the Attorney General urged the Senate to decline concurrence to the Central Gaming Bill (HB.2062) in the interest of the Rule of Law, constitutionalism, federalism, and national stability. “This is not about Lagos State,it is about Nigeria, about protecting the integrity of the Supreme Court and preserving the federation as our Constitution envisions it” He said. Earlier in his opening remarks,the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, noted that the briefing underscores the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to transparency, constitutional order, and respect for the rule of law. He stated that the proposed Central Gaming Bill raises fundamental constitutional questions regarding the limits of legislative powers and the authority of the Supreme Court, making it imperative for the public to be properly informed.Omotoso therefore urged for proper dissemination of this information in order to protect the integrity of the constitution. Also in attendance includes the Lagos Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary,Mr Hameed Oyenuga,MD/CEO Lagos State Lotteries Board, Mr. Bashir Abiola-Are and Directors from both the State Lotteries Board and ministry of justice.
The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, on Thursday, 9th October 2025, received the Branch Chairmen and Executive Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Branches in Lagos during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Justice, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
