Lagos State Ministry of Justice
Committed to bringing justice to your doorstep
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.
…reaffirms commitment to strengthen non-custodial measures in the justice sector Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN,Tuesday received the Chairman, Hon. Justice Candide Johnson (RTD) and members of the Lagos State Parole Board on a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Justice, Secretariat ,Alausa, Ikeja. The visit was aimed at officially introducing the Lagos State Parole Board to the Hon. Attorney General and to seek his guidance on the effective implementation of parole administration in the State, in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019. In his remarks, the A.G commended the establishment of the Lagos State Parole Board as a significant milestone in advancing restorative justice, reducing congestion in custodial centres, and promoting the reformation and reintegration of offenders into society. He assured the Board of the Ministry’s full cooperation and legal support in ensuring the successful operationalization of Parole Administration in Lagos State. Pedro, emphasized that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice remains committed to strengthening non-custodial measures and deepening reforms within the justice system to enhance fairness, efficiency, and access to justice for all. Earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos State Parole Board, Hon. Justice Candide Johnson RTD, expressed appreciation to the Honourable Attorney General for the audience granted the delegation and briefed him on the objectives and operational framework of the Board. He noted that while the Board has received its official Operational Guidelines and Protocols for Parole Administration, released in April 2025, there remains a pressing need for office space,logistics and administrative support to enable the Board to effectively discharge its statutory responsibilities. He therefore appealed for the assistance and guidance of the Ministry of Justice in facilitating the necessary institutional and inter-agency support required for the full commencement of parole administration in Lagos State. The visit underscored the collaborative efforts between the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Nigerian Correctional Service toward strengthening non-custodial initiatives and promoting a humane and reformative criminal justice system. Also in attendance, the Controller of Corrections, Nigeria Correctional Service, Controller George Daramola; Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Olusegun Peter Ogunnusi, Directors in the Ministry and other members of the Parole board.
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Thursday 2nd -5th October held a 3 day Strategy Retreat for all Management Staff ,themed: “Transforming Potentials into Excellence: Reflect, Recalibrate, Collaborate”, at Green Legacy Resort, Abeokuta,Ogun State. Declaring the retreat open, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, described the retreat as a unique opportunity to step away from routine tasks and reconnect with the Ministry’s vision. According to him, retreat of this nature are not mere formalities but “incubators of legacy,” citing the 2011 Retreat which produced the Ministry’s Vision and Mission Statements that continue to guide its culture and operations to this day. He recalled with pride how, earlier in the year, junior officers of the Ministry, including drivers, cleaners, and support staff;benefited from a two-day retreat on teamwork, time management, and service delivery, a tradition that was first introduced during his tenure as Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary. Speaking on the significance of the 2025 Strategy Retreat, the AG emphasized that management officers are more than just administrators, but mentors, role models, and standard-bearers whose leadership shapes the Ministry’s culture and overall success. Pedro highlighted the retreat’s theme, “Transforming Potentials into Excellence: Reflect, Recalibrate, Collaborate”, as both aspirational and instructional, urging participants to embrace excellence beyond competence, translate possibilities into tangible outcomes, and align their strategies with Mr. Governor’s vision for a Greater Lagos. He also charged senior officers to recommit themselves to continuous learning, foster inter-departmental cooperation, maintain balance for personal effectiveness, and intentionally mentor younger counsel and officers for long-term institutional strength. Speaking earlier,Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, in his remarks, commended the Hon. Attorney General for his exemplary leadership and vision. He described the retreat as a timely opportunity to reflect, refocus, and strengthen collaboration for improved service delivery in Justice Administration Oyenuga expressed confidence that the discussions and resolutions from the retreat will further enhance the Ministry’s efficiency and advance the goal of a Greater Lagos. The 2025 Strategy Retreat featured paper presentations from different departments and units, brainstorming breakout sessions, and an excursion to notable sites such as the historical Olumo Rock ,Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library and Museum. The Ministry expressed confidence that the outcomes of the retreat will further build a culture where talent is refined, aligned,elevated into excellence and ensuring that both the ministry and the various departments are positioned to deliver sustainable impact and innovation.
The Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN on Thursday hosted the Chairman of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas and other commission members, during a courtesy visit at the Ministry’s conference room, Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja. Speaking during the visit, the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, commended the Commission for its pivotal role in sustaining professionalism, discipline, and meritocracy within the State’s workforce. He noted that the Civil Service remains the engine room of government, stressing that synergy between the Ministry and the Commission is crucial for the smooth dispensation of justice and overall governance. Pedro also emphasized that the visit was a valuable platform to deepen institutional collaboration, particularly in the areas of staff development, capacity building, and improved welfare, which are critical to sustaining an efficient civil service and advancing the mandate of the Ministry of Justice. Delivering her remarks, the Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting the Ministry in achieving its statutory mandate. She emphasized that fostering mutual cooperation would not only enhance efficiency but also ensure the continued development of a robust and responsive Civil Service in Lagos State. The Chairman assured that the Commission would continue to work closely with the Ministry of Justice and its agencies to build a vibrant, responsive, and forward-looking civil service that meets the ever evolving needs of members of staff in the State. Earlier in his welcome address, Director Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, noted that the visit reflects a shared commitment to strengthening public institutions, stressing that the Ministry values the Commission’s continuous support in building a motivated workforce and reaffirming that such collaboration is essential to sustaining excellence in governance and Justice delivery in Lagos State. The visit also provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on capacity building, recruitment of more State Counsel for the State Ministry of Justice and other strategic initiatives that would reinforce the delivery of quality Public Service to the people of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice in conjunction with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme, recently organized a Second Stakeholder’s Meeting on Plea Bargain and District Prosecutor’s Scheme at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Addressing participants at the meeting which was a hybrid version of both physical and online, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (S.A.N) ably represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga; appreciated the presence of stakeholders and noted that their participation reflects a shared commitment to improving the efficiency, fairness, and responsiveness of the Criminal Justice System. “This meeting is a vital step in advancing reforms. The plea bargain mechanism helps to ease the burden on our courts and ensures quicker case resolution, while the District Prosecutors Scheme decentralizes prosecutions and brings justice closer to the people,” Mr. Oyenuga stated. The Solicitor General emphasized that the success of these reforms relies on stakeholder engagement, transparency, and collaboration; urging participants to share insights and propose solutions that will make the reforms both effective and sustainable. Delivering his welcome address earlier, Director Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their presence and commitment to justice sector reform. He noted that the meeting will offer a timely opportunity to evaluate the implementation of the Plea Bargain and District Prosecutor Schemes while identifying areas for improvement. “These initiatives are central to ensuring access to justice, reducing case backlog, and enhancing prosecutorial efficiency. We are optimistic that today’s engagement will deepen collaboration and drive sustainable impact,” Dr. Martins stated. Also speaking at the meeting, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa reiterated RoLAC’s commitment to supporting justice sector reforms in line with international best practices. She further recalled that under ROLAC Phase 1, a comprehensive plea bargain manual was developed, alongside extensive sensitization and training for prosecutors, defense lawyers, and judges. Highlighting that about 200 applications were received this year with 170 successfully processed. Ijimakinwa stressed that more still needs to be done to address issues of awareness, transparency, and stakeholder participation, also noting that the essence of the meeting was to review the current state of plea bargain, reflect on challenges, and develop practical recommendations for strengthening its implementation. The various Panel discussions which addressed salient and veritable tools of both initiatives was moderated by Director, Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, while Associate Professor of Law, Faculty of Law, Unilag, Prof. Akeem Bello facilitated the discourse on “Plea Bargain in the Dispensation of Criminal Justice in Lagos State.” In addition, Mr. Adebayo Haroun,SSA to the Attorney led the session on the “District Prosecutor Scheme”, providing further insight into the Ministry’s innovative approach to bringing justice closer to the people. The event was well attended by dignitaries including Hon.Judges in Lagos both serving and retired, Judges and Permanent Secretaries from the South West States , Controller of Corrections, Law Enforcement Agencies, representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), FIDA, Legal Aid Council, Magistrates, Facilitators , Directors and counsel in the State Ministry of Justice. The gathering provided a platform for robust dialogue, experience sharing, and the development of action points to guide the continued implementation of the Plea Bargain and District Prosecutors Scheme. The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to continuous engagement with stakeholders to ensure that justice in Lagos is timely, fair, and accessible.
The Lagos State Government has officially presented seven brand-new buses to the Ministry of Justice through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, fulfilling an earlier commitment made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to enhance the operational capacity of the Ministry and strengthen justice delivery across the State on Thursday, 31st of July, at the Secretariat, Alausa Ikeja. Delivering his remark at the event, the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering support to the Justice Sector. “This is a significant boost to our operations. These buses will greatly ease transportation logistics for legal officers and Prosecutors. Notably,( two) of the buses have been designated to convey offenders to court and back to their various facilities, which will support our efforts in ensuring timely trial processes while another( two)have been dedicated towards the Special Taskforce on Human Trafficking,” he said. The A.G noted that Governor Sanwo-Olu remains focused on building strong institutions, and the Justice sector is at the heart of that vision. These vehicles are not just a fulfillment of a promise; they are an investment in access to justice and in the professionals who make it happen every day. The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun noted that the donation was made through the LSSTF at the instance of the Governor, and it marks the first time the agency is receiving such a request from the Governor to directly support the Ministry of Justice. “This reflects the Governor’s deep commitment to strengthening the justice and security sectors. These buses will undoubtedly improve the day-to-day functioning of the justice system and enhance inter-agency collaboration,” the Executive Secretary said. Additionally, the Controller of Corrections, Lagos Command, Controller George Daramola while expressing his heartfelt appreciation to the Governor and the State ministry of Justice,acknowledged the positive impact the two buses designated to the Nigerian Correctional Service will have on its operations , particularly in transporting inmates safely and efficiently. “These buses will contribute to more organized and secure transportation for offenders, enhancing the safety of our personnel and the timely movement of offenders to and from court,” the Controller said. Delivering the vote of thanks, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga extended gratitude to Mr. Governor, the Hon. Attorney General and the Executive Secretary LSSTF for their continued support towards the rule of law and speedy dispensation of Justice across the State. He stated that the provision of the buses aligns with the State Government’s broader vision of improving institutional capacity and promoting effective justice administration. The remaining vehicles will support the mobility of legal teams across the State, especially in high-demand and remote locations. Oyenuga also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to deploying the buses effectively to advance justice access and operational efficiency in Lagos.
In a pivotal move to strengthen and modernize traditional institution, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Wednesday convened a high-level Stakeholders’ Meeting on the review of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State held at Protea Hotel, Alausa, Ikeja. Delivering a keynote address, the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, emphasized that the meeting marked a deliberate and strategic step by the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to evolve a more responsive and culturally relevant legal framework for traditional institutions in the State. “As Lagos State navigates the complex waters of contemporary governance, the enduring presence of traditional rulers emerges as a beacon of cultural continuity and social cohesion,” Mr. Pedro stated. Pedro said that traditional institutions are gradually losing the respect and influence they once commanded noting that this review is aimed at restoring the dignity of royal institutions by addressing critical gaps, legal ambiguities, and misconduct that threaten the essence of traditions in the state. He further outlined the key focus areas of the proposed amendment, including the roles of traditional rulers in maintaining law and order, enhancing communication between the government and communities, promoting grassroots development, and resolving conflicts through mediation. Speaking earlier,Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, expressed delight at the impressive turnout, noting that the diverse representation underscored the value placed on Lagos State’s chieftaincy institutions. Oyenuga described the meeting as a timely opportunity for meaningful dialogue and collaboration aimed at strengthening the Obas and Chiefs Law.He emphasized the need to align the law which was last reviewed decades ago; with current realities and constitutional principles, while preserving the dignity and historical legacy of traditional rulers. The Solicitor General called for constructive engagement, expressing confidence that the deliberations would shape a more inclusive, just, and development-oriented legal framework for chieftaincy matters in the state. Also speaking at the event, His Royal Majesty Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, commended the initiative of the State Government and stressed the importance of restoring confidence in the traditional institution. “We, as custodians of culture and morality, have a sacred responsibility to uphold the values of our people. But this responsibility must be matched with a legal framework that protects our roles and ensures accountability. The law must help preserve our heritage, not weaken it. I commend Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for recognizing this,” the Ayangbure said. The meeting also served as a platform for traditional rulers and stakeholders to provide direct feedback on contentious issues, including the proliferation of chieftaincy titles, prolonged litigations, and the emergence of titles not rooted in community history or custom. The Stakeholders’ meeting concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration as the law progressed toward amendment and eventual passage by the Lagos State House of Assembly. Other attendees includes, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs,Mr Kayode Robert,PS Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa; P.S Citizens Mediation Bureau,Mrs Derinsola Olanrewaju,Chairman and Members Standing Tribunal of Inquiry into Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Justice O.A Dabiri; Chairman House Committee on Judiciary, Petitions, Human Rights and LASIEC, Hon. Oladipo Ajomale;, Traditional Rulers,White Cap Chiefs,Chieftaincy Officers from LGAs, Directors and Lawyers.
….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.
The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, conducted an official inspection of the newly refurbished and fully operational Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre (LSD&FC) and the J.I.C. Taylor Courthouse. Accompanied by a team of technical experts, including engineers and electricians, the visit aimed to assess the functionality and operational efficiency of the facilities. This initiative reaffirms the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the administration of justice in line with global best practices, enhancing public confidence, institutional efficiency, and legal excellence. He also inspected the rebuilt J.J.C. Taylor Court House, which was destroyed during the EndSARS protests, reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for judicial officers. Lagos State AG inspects DNA and Forensic(LSD&FC) and the J.I.C Taylor Courthouse.
The Lagos State Attorney General And Commissioner For Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, (San); Solicitor General And Permanent Secretary, Moj; Mr. Hameed Oyenuga; Chairman Lagos State Taskforce, Csp. Adetayo Akerele; Coordinator, Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court, Mrs. Arinola Ogbara-Banjoko; Magistrates And Lawyers At A 2 Day Stakeholder’s Retreat Themed: “A Perspective On The Role Of The Judiciary, Prosecution And Law Enforcement Agencies In The Operation Of The Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court” Held On Thursday 27th To Friday 28th Of February, 2025 At Amber Residence, G.R.A, Ikeja, Lagos.
