News – Page 12 – Lagos State Ministry of Justice

AG&PT SET TO FAST TRACK ACQUISITION OF LAs

Posted on January 20, 2022

The Office of the Administrator-General and Public Trustee (AG&PT), Lagos State has expressed readiness to fast track and ensure easy access to the acquisition of Letters of Administrations (LAs) by residents of the State. The Director, Office of the Administrator-General and Public Trustee (AG & PT) Mrs. Omotola Rotimi disclosed this on Tuesday during the First Work-Day meeting with members of staff in the conference room of the office at Ogba-Ikeja. Rotimi averred that the Office is set to collaborate with the State High Court and other stakeholders to ensure effective and efficient means of ensuring speedy access to LAs. According to her, “For judicious use or quick disposition of a deceased estate, it is most preferable and ideal for beneficiaries to get an LA, hence, the need for the Office to initiate the collaboration with the issuing institution” Rotimi further stated that the success of the synergy will not only enhance the pace at which the Office discharge its statutory duties and responsibilities but will also positively affect beneficiaries to easily access the estate of deceased family member” While commending staff for a job well done in the previous year 2021, and at the same time setting the tone for the new year, Rotimi said that the Office will be embarking on a massive sensitization and public awareness across the State to educate residents on the processes involved in filing a petition at the Office, writing Wills and claiming insurance benefits amongst others. The Office of the Administrator-General and Public Trustee is a statutory Office established under the laws of Lagos State to ensure that Estate of people of Lagos State who died with or without a will (testate or intestate) are properly administered and held in trust such that beneficiaries of such estate have quick access to their inheritance.

Adesomoju Appointed As New OPD Director

Posted on January 18, 2022

Former Deputy Director, Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC), Mrs. Adesomoju Olubunmi Adenike has been appointed as the new Director, Office of the Public Defender (OPD) This development was disclosed in a memo signed by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-bey on Tuesday.Her deployment became imperative following the appointment of the former Director OPD, Dr. Babajide Martins as Director Public Prosecutions(DPP), Ministry of Justice. Mrs. Adesomoju Olubunmi Adenike had her primary and Secondary education at Command Children School Sabo, Yaba, Lagos and Command Secondary School Ipaja respectively.She proceeded to Baptist Academy Obanikoro for her A-levels in 1988/89. She graduated from the Ogun State University in 1994 with a Bachelor in Laws degree (B.L) and L.L.B in 1995 when she was called to the Nigerian Bar. She proceeded for a Master in Laws (L.L.M) post graduate program at the University of Lagos in 2014. Adesomoju joined the State Public Service in 1999 and worked at the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency .She thereafter worked in several Directorates of the Ministry of Justice such as Directorates of Public Prosecutions, Civil Litigation and the Citizens’ Mediation Centre where she was the Deputy Director before her recent posting. Adesomoju is an Associate member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, (ICSA),member of the Institute of Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria, a member of Nigerian Bar Association, and also a member of the International Bar Association. She has attended several trainings, seminars, webinars and workshops in Criminal Advocacy, Public Prosecutions, Mediation & Arbitration Practices both locally and internationally The memo further states that her appointment takes immediate effect

Lagos Attorney General Pays Unscheduled Visits to Agencies Under The Ministry Of Justice

Posted on January 18, 2022

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, recently paid unscheduled visits to the Public Advice Centre (PAC) and the Office of the Administrator-General and Public Trustee (AG & PT). The Commissioner enjoined State Counsel and support staff to be effective and efficient in the performance and discharge of their duties noting that residents depend on them for FREE legal advice and counsel in resolving issues bothering on Administration of Wills, Estate Management, Properties and other areas of concern. Whilst emphasizing the importance of their services to the Public, the Attorney General appreciated members of staff for their continued support and commitment. Mr. Onigbanjo, SAN reiterated their critical role in ensuring access to justice and law reform which are integral components of the THEMES Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Administration, particularly*S* Security and Governance.

Commissioner Applauds Counsel on Secondment Programme

Posted on January 12, 2022

The Lagos State Attorney General andCommissioner for Justice,Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo ,SAN has applauded pioneer counsel who took part in the secondment programme organised by the Ministry of Justice to continuously sharpen their skills to be efficient in the discharge of their duties. Onigbanjo stated this during a meeting on Tuesday with the some State counsel after the completion of their 2-3 months secondment programme at various law firms in the State. The Commissioner noted that the programme was initiated in October,2021 to enhance career objectives, expand their horizon as well as improve the efficiency of lawyers in the employ of the State. He therefore therefore urged the pioneer counsel to make judicious use of the skills acquired during the secondment programme for the advancement of the legal profession as well as deliver adequate justice to residents in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olus administration Onigbanjo commended them for being good ambassadors of the State and the ministry during their secondment programme urging them to utilize the skills and experience garnered in their various departments. Sharing their experiences at the various law firms, the Counsel described the initiative as highly commendable and illuminating as it provided an opportunity to learn new skills, exposure to diverse areas of law different from their normal work routine as well as provided perspectives on work-life experience in the private sector. The counsel were seconded to law firms which specialized in Oil and gas ,Energy, Taxation, Corporate law etc.

Lagos Appoints Babajide Martins As Director Public Prosecutions(DPP)

Posted on January 5, 2022

… redeploys Oshinusi, Oluwafemi and Salau The Former Director, Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Dr. Babajide Martins, has been appointed as the Director, Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lagos State Ministry of Justice. A memo signed by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-bey states that his appointment followed the appointment of the former DPP, Mrs. Adenrera Olayinka Adeyemi as a Judge of the high Court of Lagos State. Babajide is a Legal Luminary, a Progressive and Seasoned Technocrat, a Human Rights Advocate, a Passionate and Relentless Worker in the Temple of Justice. He is a graduate of University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990 and is also a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. Dr. Martins graduated with Master in Law, LLM in European Management and Employment Law and Master of Business Administration (MBA) respectively from the University of Leicester, England. He thereafter bagged a PhD in Constitutional law from Birkbeck College, University of London. Dr. Martins is the current Director of the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender an agency saddled with the mandate of ensuring that every resident of Lagos State has equal access to justice. Prior to joining the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Dr. Martins had worked in England as a Crown Prosecutor and at Blackburn Borough Council in England, where his practice included Criminal Prosecution, Civil Litigation, Employment Law, Youth Justice and Safeguarding. A Versatile Facilitator who has conducted, presented papers and served as a discussant at the National Judicial Institute and Lagos State Judiciary legal week. He has also conducted several trainings on Criminal Justice Administration to Police Officers, Magistrates and Customary Court Judges. He is an ardent advocate of Restorative Justice and Mediation in Criminal Matters. He is an advocate of a fair and just Criminal Justice system and was a member of the committee that drafted the Lagos State Sentencing guidelines. He has served as the Liaison Officer on the European Union funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme administered by the British Council in Lagos state. He is also currently the Liaison Officer for the Ministry of Justice on the German GIZ Programme for support for the Criminal Justice Administration. He has served as Special Assistant on Criminal Prosecutions to two former Lagos State Attorney Generals and was formerly a Director of the Office of the Public Defender, before his recent appointment as Director of Directorate of Public Prosecutions. Dr. Martins is a current member of the Lagos State Biosecurity Board. Following Dr. Martins appointment as DPP, Ms Oshinusi Adetutu has also been appointed as the new Director, Directorate of Citizens Rights, Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi as Deputy Director, Directorate of Public Prosecutions and Mrs Aderoju Salau as Deputy Director, Directorate of Civil Litigations Their appointment takes immediate effect.

HOS, Attorney General Charges Justice Staff

Posted on January 2, 2022

…Rewards outstanding Officers. The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola and the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN has charged staff of the Ministry of Justice as well as State counsel to be efficient and transparent in the discharge of their duties. In his address at a merit award/end of the year ceremony organised by the Ministry of Justice recently, the State’s Head of Service urged the awardees and members of staff to be up and doing in the discharge of their responsibilities. Muri-Okunola stated that the success of every government is determined by its ability to provide prompt and efficient service delivery and this can only be possible when staff of the ministry work together in peace and harmony to remit a top-notch and quality service delivery. The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN expressed pride and satisfaction towards the high performance of the State counsels and staff of the ministry in both the senior and junior category, stating that due to the quality of work put forth, the ministry has helped the State Government in upholding the rule of law as well as delivering adequate justice to residents in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of Mr. Governor. Onigbanjo urged the awardees to continue the good work noting that the ministry will continue to recognize the efforts of individuals with outstanding track record of contributions in the ministry towards public service delivery Also speaking during the 2 -day ceremony, the Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, explained that the idea of the Awards ceremony was a way of promoting a healthy professional rivalry among officers in order to continually promote the ethics of global best practices in legal and service delivery In her words; “Everyone has their bit to contribute regardless of how big or little it may seem. The service delivery of the State counsel is just as important as the service delivery of the cleaners and security personnels in the Ministry”. “The most important thing is to execute your duty with passion, diligence, integrity and professionalism” Speaking further, Ms. Shitta-Bey applauded the Directors of the Ministry as well as members of staff for their patience, diligence and dedication to public service delivery noting that sometimes it can be extremely demanding, either mentally or emotionally but urged them to be diligent, transparent, and accountable in the discharge of their duties. There were awards for outstanding officers in the junior,senior and project officers categories.

Sanwo-Olu Swears in 14 new High Court Judges

Posted on January 1, 2022

Lagos Governor,Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday swore in 14 new Judges for the high court while urging them to dispense justice quickly and fairly ,without fear or living and acting above board in all circumstances “in your hands lies great power to punish wrong doers and free the innocent,the power to send a strong message to society about the primacy of the rule of law and to contribute to the growing body of jurisprudence in the country” The Governor stressed that Government is committed to supporting the judiciary to achieve its purposes and also ensure they are comfortable enough to perform optimally “Judges who take their work seriously can do a lot to rebuild the confidence of citizens in the systems and institutions of our nation.A properly functioning judicial system will go a long way in nuturing an environment that enables business and investment…….there is less room for poverty to drive people to crime and criminality “ The Hon.Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice,Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo,SAN while reading the citations of the judges noted that the appointment of the new judges became necessary due to the retirement of some judges in the course of the year Onigbanjo stressed that since the inception of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration in 2019,a total of 24 judges have been sworn in till date thereby making a total of 70judges for Lagos in fulfilment of the THEMES development agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration . The new benchers consist of nine females and five males They include Justices Olubusola Okunuga,Adenrera Adeyemi,Olufolake Oshin,Oluwatoyin Odusanya,Olumuyiwa Martins,Ariyike Ipaye-Nwachukwu,Batunde Kalaro,Omolade Awope,Akinkunmi Idowu,Olalekan Oresanya,Mujibat Oshodi,Ismaili Ijelu,Mosunmola Balogun and Mathias Dawodu.

IKEDE PATAKI

Posted on December 25, 2021

Ijọba ipinle Eko n rọ araalu paapaa gbogbo olugbe Magodo Residential Scheme lati fọkanbalẹ lori iṣẹlẹ to waye laipẹ yii ti Oloye Adebayọ Adeyiga atawọn ẹgbẹ Shangisha Landlords Association fi ẹtan ko awọn ọlọpaa lọ si Magodo lati fi tipa fidi idajọ ile-ẹjọ mulẹ. Ijọba ṣakiyesi pe awọn ọlọpaa ti wọn waa fidi idajọ naa mulẹ kii ṣe awọn ọlọpaa kootu rara; nitori awọn ọlọpaa kootu ko mọ nnkan nipa igbesẹ ti wọn gbe lọjọ naa ni Magodo. Igbesẹ yii tun lodi si igbekalẹ ile-ẹjọ ilẹ wa. Ijọba ipinle Eko fẹẹ fi da awọn araalu loju pe iwadii ṣi n lọ lọwọ lati fi awọn to lọwọ si ọrọ naa jofin, bẹẹ nijọba ko ni yẹsẹ lati maa bọwọ fun ofin la i ṣegbe lẹyin ẹnikankan. Bakan naa nijọba n lo anfaani yii lati kilọ fun awọn eeyan wọnyi pe ki wọn pa gbogbo akọle ti wọn ti kọ sara ile awọn olugbe Magodo rẹ kiakia, bẹẹ ni ki awọn araalu fi ṣe oju lalakan fi n ṣọri. Bi wọn ba si ri ẹnikẹni to ba tun fẹẹ dan iru iwa to lodi sofin bẹẹ wo, ki wọn fi to ijoba leti kia. Olukede Moyọsọrẹ Onigbanjo, SAN Agbẹjọro agba fun ijọba ati kọmiṣanna fun eto idajọ nipinlẹ Eko Ọjọ kẹtalelogun, oṣu kejila, ọdun 2021

LASG Begins Sensitization on The Administration Of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law 2021: Holds Magistrates Workshop

Posted on December 16, 2021

In a continuous bid to ensure the effective implementation of the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law, 2021 (ACJL), the State Government has organised the first batch of workshop for Magistrates in Lagos on salient provisions in the amended ACJL Law. Addressing participants at the workshop, the Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), noted that the workshop serves as a platform to familiarize and dissect the new provisions of ACJL with a view to effectively implement and build on the progress made so far in justice delivery. The commissioner who was represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey noted that ACJL was first passed in 2007 and amended in 2011 (more than ten (10) years ago) to ensure that the Fundamental Rights of suspects and persons that come into contact with the justice system, as enshrined in the Constitution are protected. He stressed that to further strengthen the justice system, Mr Governor assented to the ACJL(Amendment),2021 as well as address the issue of delay in the administration of criminal justice. According to him, the workshop for the Magistrates is pivotal as they play a huge role in decongesting of the Correctional Facilities, being the major stakeholder before a suspect is remanded into custody. He noted that Magistrate Courts handle about 65% of the criminal cases in the State, and are responsible for handling minor offences summarily. Noting the efforts of the State Government in the administration of criminal Justice, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, highlighted the various Amendments and innovations, which has set the pace for other States. She noted that in addition to the overview of the ACJL Law 2021; the workshop will also address the implementation of Restorative justice and other non- custodial measures such Community sentencing, Plea Bargain amongst others. Facilitators at the workshop include Hon. Justice Adenike Coker, Mr. Joseph Otteh, Founder Access to Justice, Director, Lagos Multidoor Court House, Mrs. Adeyinka Aroyewun, Director, Lagos State Community Service Unit, Ms. Shakirat Kotun amongst others.

Lagos Urges Residents to Protect Children’s Rights

Posted on December 15, 2021

…celebrates United Nations Human Rights Day Lagos State Government has urged residents of the State to protect the rights of children while noting that these sets of rights were enacted to cater for their vulnerability and development. This revelation was made by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shita-Bey, at the annual Human Rights day celebration for Private and Public Primary and Secondary Schools across the State. The Permanent Secretary disclosed that the State Government has various initiatives and programmes targeted at protecting the rights of children, especially the Child’s Rights Law enacted to ensure that children enjoy special care, assistance and social protection. She opined that the Law allows children to enjoy special care and assistance, as well as social protection, which will equally foster their social-economic welfare and enhance the successful building of the nation. ., .”. According to the Permanent Secretary, the programme is organized annually by the Directorate for Citizens’ Right on every 10th of December to celebrate the promotion of Human Rights in our society and the world at large. This, she said, will further increase the recognition of protecting the rights of children, as well as ensuring that adults take responsibility for children’s protection and development. Speaking on the theme of the event tagged: “The Year of Socio-Economic Renewal and Nation Building”, Shita-Bey explained that the theme was carefully selected to recognize the importance of protecting the rights of children in attaining sustainable development. “when human rights are protected, it improves the nation’s human capital and increases national, economic and social growth”. Similarly,the Director for Public Prosecutions ,Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi in her keynote address stressed that Lagos State has continued to protect human rights through the Directorate of Citizens rights,Office of the public defender,citizens mediation centre amongst other directorates in the State ministry of Justice established to Forster human rights observance and enforcement in the State She further emphasized that failure to recognise human right in any nation is a design for societal destruction as seen in the History of the world and indeed at municipal level She commended the State Government for its doggedness in ensuring that human rights of every person is respected and protected The Director, Citizens Rights, Oluwatoyin Odunsanya, while appreciating the students and other personalities for supporting the government on the journey to completely protect Human Rights, implored them to continue being good citizens and ambassadors of Human Rights. She further advised them to spread the message against discrimination, child abuse and infringement of human and child’s rights. Other highlights of the programme include a drama presentation by Reagan Memorial Baptist Private School, titled “Say No to Bullying, Speak Out”. The presentation preached against bullying and dedicated to a JSS2 Student of Dowen School, Sylvester Oromoni, who was reportedly bullied at school by Senior students and ultimately died.. More importantly, it was targeted at encouraging parents and other acquaintances of the young people to have cordial relationships with their children and wards so that they can always count on them in times of distress and need. . In addition to this, debates were organized on topics related to Human Rights for Junior and Senior Secondary categories, with Oregun Junior High School emerging as the winner for the Junior category, while Reagan Memorial Baptist Private School got the first position for the Senior category.