News

….Over 71,000 Offenders Prosecuted for Minor Offences; Processes Over 620 Petitions on Estate Disputes The Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), outlined the Ministry’s sweeping achievements in the past year, anchored on strengthening rule of law, justice delivery, and institutional reforms, on Wednesday 21st of May, 2025 at the Y2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Secretariat, Alausa. According to the Attorney General, the ministry has always pursued justice, not only as a legal ideal but as a practical, daily necessity for over 20 million Lagosians. “Within the period under review, the ministry processed a total of 73,962 criminal cases across the state’s correctional facilities; over 10,000 of these between January 2024 and May 2025 only”. He noted that this was made possible through the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS), which now functions as a comprehensive databank of criminal case data, improving transparency and coordination across Lagos State justice system. Pedro also noted that Lagos custodial facilities are operating at 106% above their built capacity as of May 2025. In response, the Ministry has expanded non-custodial measures, including community service sentencing. “In this regard, we have supervised the community service of 10,120 offenders across 18 locations, thereby reducing congestion and enabling restorative justice”, he said. On social disorder offences, Mr. Pedro revealed that the Special Offences Mobile Court has been pivotal in restoring sanity to the public space. “We arrested, arraigned and secured convictions for 71,023 offenders for minor offences ranging from traffic violations to street trading and vandalism. This has had a measurable impact in deterring miscreants and preserving order across Lagos.” He explained. Turning to economic and civil justice, the A.G emphasized financial recoveries and mediation efforts stating that the Citizens Mediation Bureau received 214,342 matters and successfully resolved 141,404 of them. These resolutions brought relief to families and businesses alike, with a total of ₦2.2 billion recovered for aggrieved parties. Estate management and succession disputes also received attention.The Office of the Administrator-General and Public Trustee handled over 620 estate petitions, resolving 566 cases and disbursing ₦1.27 billion in benefits to beneficiaries. The office also generated ₦2.35 billion in revenue for the state. In the realm of public legal aid, Mr. Pedro declared that the Public Advisory Centre responded to 197,649 citizen inquiries, while the Bureau of Public Defender secured 1,323 court judgments and recovered ₦291 million for vulnerable Lagosians. These are not just statistics; they are lives changed, rights protected, and dignity restored. He further explained that the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, handled over 8,000 distinct cases of abuse and trauma. “We reached more than 6 million people through advocacy and outreach, while our counselling services directly helped over 4,000 survivors,” he noted. Infrastructure and staff welfare were not left behind. Mr. Pedro highlighted the commissioning of a new Commercial Court at Tapa and the reconstruction of the J.I.C. Taylor Court House with 24 courtrooms. “For the first time in the history of this State, and perhaps in Nigeria, Mr. Governor approved the construction of 34 three-bedroom flats to serve as Magistrates’ Quarters, 10 of which were also allocated to State Counsel in our Ministry,” he said. Regarding financial growth and state investment, the Directorate of Commercial Law generated over ₦6.5 billion through its legal advisory and agreement drafting services. “This underscores how justice supports commerce. Legal clarity breeds investor confidence,” he said. On legislative strides, he disclosed the passage of laws such as the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, Victims Assistance and Witness Protection Law, and the Fire and Rescue Service Law, with several other bills; including Tenancy Reform and Domestic Violence Protection—awaiting House action. The A.G also mentioned the collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and the ECOWAS Community Court for a sensitization outreach which was graced by top dignitaries, aimed at deepening public understanding of the ECOWAS Court’s role and jurisdiction among Nigerians and West African’s. With robust engagement from legal professionals, civil society, academia, and the general public, the court’s session in Lagos provided a rare opportunity for local stakeholders to witness its proceedings firsthand. This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s strategic vision to position Lagos as a hub for international and regional legal cooperation and reinforces its commitment to promoting the rule of law beyond national borders. Reflecting on the Ministry’s broader impact, Mr. Pedro concluded that each initiative implemented and every statistics presented during the briefing highlights a justice system that is effective; one where justice is accessible, responsive and capable of driving meaningful change. “It is imperative for lagosians to know that we’re not done. The challenges of a growing and diverse state like ours demand even more innovation, more empathy, and more resolve; and we are ready.” He said.