Skip to main content

Lagos State Ministry of Justice

LAGOS MOJ CELEBRATES NEWLY APPOINTED PERMANENT SECRETARIES

Posted on

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has hosted a reception in honour of Mrs. Thomas-Orogan Folashade Aina and Mr. Haroun Adebayo Mubashiru following their appointment as Permanent Secretaries in the Lagos State Public Service. The event, held on Monday, 19th October 2026, at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Alausa, Ikeja, brought together government officials, colleagues, family members and friends to celebrate the appointees. In his remarks, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, congratulated the new Permanent Secretaries, commending their diligence, perseverance, dedication and commitment to duty. He urged them and other legal practitioners to pursue career advancement with determination, noting that being called to the Bar was only the beginning of a legal career. Mr. Pedro also emphasised the importance of teamwork, mutual respect, empathy and esprit de corps, describing positive professional relationships and goodwill as enduring legacies. Earlier, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Olanrewaju Oyenuga, congratulated the appointees and commended the Attorney-General for supporting the career advancement of his colleagues. Furthermore ,The Permanent Secretary, Citizens’ Mediation Bureau, Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju in attendance also congratulated them and pledged continued collaboration towards the Ministry’s progress. In their responses, Mrs. Thomas-Orogan Folashade and Mr. Haroun Adebayo expressed gratitude to God ,to the Governor of Lagos State,Mr Babajide Sanwo.Olu , Attorney-General ,Mr Lawal Pédro,SAN,and the Solicitor-General and colleagues for their mentorship and support. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Ministry’s growth and excellence in service delivery. The reception reaffirmed the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to recognizing excellence, dedication and professional growth in the Lagos State Public Service.

Read More

LAGOS MOJ CELEBRATES OLAMIDE IBRAHIM’S DOCTOR OF LAWS (LLD)

Posted on

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice proudly celebrates Dr Olamide Ibrahim, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, on the successful completion of his Doctor of Laws (LLD) at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. His doctoral research on amicable settlement of disputes before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights reflects his commitment to justice, human rights and the rule of law in Africa. This milestone underscores the importance of continuous learning and professional excellence in public service. The Ministry congratulates Dr Ibrahim and wishes him continued success and greater accomplishments in his career and service to society. Congratulations, Dr Olamide Ibrahim!

Read More

SANWO-OLU CHARGES GRADUATING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ON INTEGRITY, PROFESSIONALISM

Posted on

…As 1,800 Officers Complete Mandatory In-Service Training The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged graduating law enforcement officers to uphold integrity, discipline, professionalism and respect for the rule of law, stressing that public trust is essential to effective law enforcement. The Governor gave the charge in an address delivered on his behalf by the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, at the 2026 Passing-Out Parade of the Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI), held at the Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Magodo, on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The ceremony marked the successful completion of mandatory in-service training by 1,800 officers from seven agencies: VIS, KAI, LASTMA, LNSC, CBD, LASPA and LASWA. Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that effective law enforcement goes beyond exercising authority to include fairness, accountability, respect for citizens’ rights and responsible public service. He urged the officers to exercise their powers with restraint, uphold lawful conduct and demonstrate professionalism in their daily duties. He commended LETI for strengthening the capacity of law enforcement personnel through continuous training, noting that Lagos requires competent, disciplined and technologically aware officers capable of responding to the demands of a rapidly evolving urban environment. The Governor also called on residents, businesses and community leaders to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by obeying lawful directives, respecting public regulations and protecting public infrastructure. He, however, stressed that public cooperation must be matched by fairness, accountability and respect for citizens’ rights. Earlier, the Head and Chief Executive Officer of LETI, Mrs. Taiwo Bonnie, said the training was designed to enhance officers’ professional competence and prepare them for the demands of modern law enforcement. She disclosed that the programme covered law enforcement, technology, teamwork, inter-agency collaboration, health and wellness, stress management, first-response skills, physical fitness and field exercises. Bonnie urged the graduating officers to apply the knowledge acquired with integrity, courage, fairness and accountability, reminding them that while their uniforms represent authority, their character determines the respect they command. She reaffirmed LETI’s commitment to professional development and thanked the Lagos State Government, participating agencies, facilitators and other partners for supporting the programme. The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Olanrewaju Oyenuga, alongside other government officials, security agency representatives and stakeholders, attended the ceremony. The event highlighted the importance of continuous training, inter-agency collaboration and responsible law enforcement in building a safer and more orderly Lagos State.

Read More

STATE OF DELAWARE HONOURS LAGOS STATE ATTORNEY-GENERAL, MR. LAWAL PEDRO, SAN, FCIArb

Posted on

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice is pleased to share a Proclamation issued by the Office of the Governor of the State of Delaware, United States of America, recognising and honouring the distinguished leadership and service of Mr. Lawal Mohammed Alade Pedro, SAN, FCIArb, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State. In the Proclamation dated 25 September 2026, the Governor of Delaware, Matthew Meyer, commends the Attorney-General for his distinguished leadership in advancing the administration of justice in Lagos State and acknowledges his extensive public-service experience, including his former service as Solicitor-General of Lagos State. The Proclamation further recognises his commitment to the rule of law, institutional excellence and fair access to justice, noting his contribution to strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice, protecting the rights of the people and promoting justice for all. The Lagos State Ministry of Justice appreciates this recognition and regards it as a reflection not only of the Attorney-General’s individual commitment to public service, but also of the continuing efforts of the Ministry and the wider justice sector to promote effective, accessible and people-centred justice. Congratulations, Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Read More

PEDRO SEEKS STRONGER JUSTICE SYSTEM TO SUPPORT INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Posted on

Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, has called for sustained reforms, strategic investment and stronger collaboration to build a justice system capable of supporting investment, economic growth and public confidence in the State. Pedro, SAN, made this clarion call on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, while delivering a Goodwill Message on behalf of himself and Mr Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the 2026/2027 Legal Year Summit, themed “Justice as an Economic Infrastructure: Strengthening the Judiciary for Africa’s Fifth Largest Economy,” held at The Jewel Aeida, Lekki, Lagos. The Attorney General stressed that an efficient and accessible justice system is essential to protect property rights, enforcing contracts, resolving disputes and providing confidence for citizens, businesses and investors. He emphasized the need for improved judicial infrastructure, human capital development and the increased use of technology, noting that e-filing, digital case management and virtual proceedings could help reduce delays and improve access to justice. The AG also appealed to members of the legal profession to keep pace with emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, intellectual property and digital transactions, while upholding the core values of the profession. Mr Pedro further encouraged the wider adoption of mediation, arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to facilitate faster and more cost-effective resolution of disputes. He therefore called for a stronger collaboration among the Judiciary, Executive, Legislature, legal profession, business community and other stakeholders, urging participants to translate the discussions at the summit into practical and sustainable reforms.

Read More

LASG BEGINS FIVE-DAY NITA TRAINING FOR BPD AND DPP LAW OFFICERS

Posted on

The Lagos State Government has commenced a five-day advocacy and trial skills training programme for law officers of the Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD) Formerly OPD, and Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in collaboration with the United States-based National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), as part of its continued efforts to strengthen justice delivery through professional development and capacity building. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Olanrewaju Oyenuga, who represented the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lwal Pedro SAN ,described the programme as a unique initiative that brings prosecutors and defence counsel together in pursuit of a common objective—the fair and effective administration of justice. Oyenuga emphasised that justice extends beyond securing convictions, noting that the criminal justice system must remain fair to victims, defendants and society as a whole. He reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to continuously modernise and strengthen the justice system through sustained investment in the professional capacity of its law officers. According to the Solicitor-General, contemporary legal practice requires continuous learning, ethical grounding and technical competence, particularly in areas such as case management, evidence handling, expert testimony and courtroom advocacy. He commended the organisers for sustaining the partnership over the years and assured participants of the Ministry’s continued support for initiatives that enhance the quality of legal services delivered to residents of Lagos State. He urged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to their daily professional responsibilities, stressing that improved advocacy skills, sound ethical practice and technical competence would ultimately contribute to better justice outcomes for the people of Lagos State. The training, which marks the 10th year of the Lagos State–NITA collaboration, brings together prosecutors and defence counsel for intensive sessions on courtroom advocacy, professional ethics, evidence management, cross-examination, case preparation and trial presentation. The initiative is designed to provide participants with practical skills that can be immediately applied in the discharge of their professional duties. Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Bureau of Public Defender, Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju, described the programme as a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between Lagos State and NITA, noting that the collaboration has consistently provided law officers with practical advocacy skills that contribute to the effective administration of criminal justice in the State. Adesomoju recalled that the partnership commenced in 2016 and has since developed into a flagship capacity-building initiative for prosecutors and defence counsel in Lagos State. She welcomed members of the NITA faculty, including Judge Ann Claire Williams, and encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions, ask questions and share professional experiences throughout the programme. She noted that the exchange of knowledge and experience between local and international legal practitioners has enriched legal practice in Lagos State, expressing confidence that the partnership would continue to expand and provide greater opportunities for professional development within the justice sector. Delivering the keynote address, Judge Ann Claire Williams, Team Head of NITA, said the programme represents more than legal training, describing it as a shared commitment to ensuring that justice remains the guiding principle of the legal profession. She urged prosecutors to uphold the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their duties, while encouraging defence counsel to provide the best possible representation for those they defend. Judge Williams further explained that her continued participation in the programme is motivated by her deep connection with Nigeria, her desire to honour her mother’s dream of visiting Africa and her personal conviction that those who have been blessed with opportunities have a responsibility to give back. She noted that every successful legal professional had benefited from the support of mentors, family members and others who believed in them, adding that the NITA faculty remains committed to creating similar opportunities for others. The five-day training will feature practical advocacy exercises, trial simulations, interactive sessions and knowledge-sharing activities aimed at strengthening both prosecutorial and defence advocacy. The programme is expected to further equip participating law officers with the technical, ethical and courtroom skills required to discharge their responsibilities effectively and contribute to a fair, efficient and professional justice system in Lagos State. Olatunde OlusesiHead, Public Affairs,BPD21/9/2026

Read More

HAG CHARGES CMB STAFF ON PROFESSIONALISM, INNOVATION, CONTINUOUS LEARNING

Posted on

‎‎The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, (SAN) has charged staff of the Citizens’ Mediation Bureau (CMB) to uphold professionalism, embrace innovation and continuously improve their skills in the discharge of their duties.‎‎Mr. Pedro gave the charge at the 2026 Staff Retreat of the Citizens’ Mediation Bureau, themed, “From Good to Great: The Mindset and Habits for Workplace Excellence.”‎‎He urged the staff to cultivate professionalism, responsiveness, teamwork, innovation and continuous learning, noting that institutional excellence is not achieved by occasional efforts but through sustained commitment, discipline and a conscious determination to improve.‎‎The Attorney-General further encouraged the staff to utilise the retreat as an opportunity for honest self-appraisal, identify areas requiring improvement and cultivate habits that would enhance their effectiveness and contribute to the continued development of the Bureau. ‎He noted that the nature of the Bureau’s work required its personnel to interact regularly with members of the public, making professionalism and responsiveness particularly imperative. He therefore charged the staff to adopt a people-centred approach in the discharge of their duties, stressing that every interaction with the public should reflect the values, standards and mandate of the Bureau. Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Citizens’ Mediation Bureau, Mrs Aderinsola Olanrewaju, said the retreat is an opportunity for staff to reflect on the Bureau’s progress, identify areas for improvement and collectively consider how to move the organisation forward. She noted that, as an agency committed to providing accessible, timely and effective dispute resolution services to the people of Lagos State, the Bureau must continually strive for excellence in its operations and service delivery. Olanrewaju stressed the importance of teamwork, continuous learning, innovation and accountability, urging staff to remain committed to personal and professional development and continually seek ways to improve their performance. She added that every staff member had a role to play in taking the Bureau from where it was to where it aspired to be.‎Also speaking, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Hameed Olanrewaju Oyenuga, commended the contribution of the Citizens’ Mediation Bureau to the administration of justice in Lagos State, particularly its role in resolving disputes and providing accessible mediation services. ‎Oyenuga urged staff to build on the Bureau’s achievements, strengthen their capacity and explore new approaches that would further enhance its contribution to the justice system.‎‎The retreat featured sessions facilitated by Mrs Kehinde Taiwo, Mrs Olabisi Ibitayo and Dr Gbonjubola Abiri, with deliberations and practical activities centred on leadership, workplace excellence, personal development and wellness. Mary MobeeSenior Public Affairs OfficerCitizen Mediation Bureau

Read More

LAGOS AG REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION AT PRIVCON 2026

Posted on

The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to strengthening privacy and data protection safeguards, particularly as technology continues to transform governance and everyday life. Pedro gave the assurance in a goodwill message delivered by his Senior Special Assistant, Mr. Olamide Ibrahim, who represented him at the 8th Annual Privacy Conference, PrivCon 2026, held recently at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The conference, themed “Privacy Architecture: #EveryBrickCounts,” brought together judicial officers, legal practitioners, regulators, data protection professionals, technology leaders and policymakers to deliberate on emerging privacy and data protection challenges in Nigeria. The AG noted that privacy goes beyond regulatory compliance, describing it as fundamental to human dignity, autonomy and freedom. He stated that while the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 provides an important legal framework for the protection of personal data, its effectiveness ultimately depends on responsible implementation by government institutions, businesses and individuals. He particularly emphasised the responsibility of government to protect personal information entrusted to public institutions, noting that citizens have a right to expect that their data would be collected, processed and safeguarded responsibly. Pedro also highlighted the increasingly important role of the Judiciary in interpreting and giving practical effect to privacy rights, particularly as rapid technological developments continue to raise new and complex legal questions. He said, “The strength of our privacy architecture will not be determined by its most impressive component, but by its weakest brick. Every brick counts. Every institution counts. Every decision counts.” The Attorney General commended the organisers of PrivCon for sustaining the conference as an important platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in the legal, regulatory and technology sectors. He urged participants to remain committed to building a privacy framework that responds effectively to emerging challenges, stressing that the strength of Nigeria’s privacy architecture would depend on the collective responsibility of every institution and stakeholder.

Read More

LAGOS SG/PS HOSTS CROSS RIVER LEGAL DRAFTING OFFICERS, HIGHLIGHTS MINISTRY’S LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS

Posted on

The Lagos State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, received the Director and Head of the Legal Drafting Department, Cross River State, Mr. Raymond Ade Ekpang, and the Assistant Director, Legal Drafting Department, Cross River State, Mrs. Endurance Assim-Ita, during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja. The visit was aimed at understudying the structure and operations of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice’s Directorate of Legislative Drafting, with a view to strengthening the efficiency and effectiveness of the Legal Drafting Department in Cross River State. The delegation also sought to gain insights into the development and evolution of legislation relating to Transportation and Environmental matters in Lagos State. Welcoming the delegation, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, provided an overview of the structure, roles, and functions of the Directorate of Legislative Drafting. He highlighted the Directorate’s contributions to effective legislative processes, sound legal drafting, and efficient service delivery. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Ekpang expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded the team and commended the professionalism and institutional practices of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. Also present at the meeting were the Director, Directorate of Legislative Drafting, Mrs. Kemi Sowemimo, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ibrahim Olamide.

Read More

PRESS RELEASE – LAGOS MOJ, CECE YARA CHILD ADVOCACY CENTRE COMMENCE TRAINING FOR DPP PROSECUTORS.

Posted on

…Strengthens Prosecutors’ Capacity to Handle Child Sexual Abuse Cases The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through its Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), in collaboration with the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, has commenced a two-day training for prosecutors in the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. The high impact training themed “Advanced Prosecutorial Training on Child Sexual Abuse Forensic Interviewing and Child-Friendly Justice System”, holding from Thursday 10th to Friday 11th September, 2026, at the Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Magodo is intended to strengthprosecutors understanding of Child Rights,Child development,trauma and improve the practical application of the Lagos State Child Sexual Abuse Investigative Procedures. Speaking at the opening ceremony, The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, described the training as an important step towards strengthening the investigation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases in Lagos State. He noted that such cases require specialised knowledge, professionalism and sensitivity, with emphasis on protecting the dignity and wellbeing of the child while preserving the integrity of evidence. Mr. Oyenuga stressed the importance of collaboration among key institutions within the justice chain, including the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the Police, Judiciary, forensic and medical professionals and other relevant stakeholders. The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the significance of the proposed 90-day workplace practicum and compliance monitoring, noting that the initiative would help translate knowledge gained during the training into institutional practice and strengthen the pool of prosecutors with specialised expertise in handling child sexual abuse cases. Speaking at the welcome address,the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Adebayo Haroun, highlighted the importance of proper forensic interviewing and early prosecutorial involvement in child sexual abuse cases, noting that these are critical to obtaining reliable evidence and ensuring effective case management. He emphasised the need for prosecutors to understand the proper evaluation and use of forensic, medical and DNA evidence, as well as appropriate courtroom measures for protecting child witnesses. Haroun expressed optimism that the training would strengthen prosecutors’ practical skills and contribute to improved investigation, case preparation and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases in Lagos State. Whilst identifying the key principles of child-friendly justice system ,the Chief Executive Officer of the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, Mrs. Olabisi Ajayi-kayode, emphasised that child-friendly justice should not be regarded as a special favour or preferential treatment for children, but as a fundamental right of every child. She stressed the importance of equipping prosecutors with the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively engage child survivors, particularly in the areas of forensic interviewing, trauma and memory. According to her, a properly conducted interview can help obtain reliable evidence while minimising the risk of further trauma to the child. Mrs. Ajayi-kayode expressed confidence that the training would strengthen prosecutors’ capacity to handle child sexual abuse cases and contribute to a justice system that protects the rights, dignity and wellbeing of every child. The 2 day training will feature sessions on child-friendly justice, child development, trauma and memory, trauma-informed prosecution, forensic interviewing and practical case studies. Participants will also examine prosecutorial practice, courtroom protection, forensic and DNA evidence, early prosecutor involvement, case conferencing and effective communication, culminating in the development of a 90-day action plan to support the practical implementation of lessons from the training. Other dignitaries at the event includes the Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, and the Director-General of the Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Mr. Kunmilola Adio- Moses, amongst other stakeholders.

Read More