Lagos State Ministry of Justice

Lagos Attorney General Receives New Lagos CP

….CP assures of maximum support of the Lagos  Police Command. Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, on Wednesday received the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP. Abiodun Alabi and his team in his office at the Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja. Onigbanjo while welcoming the  new Lagos boss on a courtesy visit appreciated the police in  tackling the security challenges facing the State while also ensuring effective policing. He stressed that the ministry will ensure vigorous quarterly training exercise for prosecutors, IPOs and DPOs in the State and also support the Lagos State Police Command in the dispensation of their duties in order to ensure a smooth Administration of Justice. Responding ,the new Lagos CP. Abiodun Alabi commended the Attorney General and the Ministry of Justice for the continued synergy with the Lagos State Police Command in Justice delivery.He however assured  of continued collaboration with the State Ministry of Justice in ensuring that the legal rights of suspects are protected under the law “We shall continue to explore all available strategies in guaranteeing  the enforcement of the criminal justice system in the State”,he said

Lagos State Government Commences Town Hall Community Engagements On Sexual and Gender Based Violence

In a bid to address the rising cases of domestic and sexual violence in the State, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, (DSVA)on Tuesday held its maiden town hall Local Government meeting tagged ‘Its on Us to End Sexual and Gender Based Violence’ at Surulere Local Government as well as Coker AGUDA and Itire Ikate LCDA. The meeting had in attendance over 300 stakeholders drawn from community Development Councils, Community Development Authorities, Market men and Women, religious leaders, community leaders, artisans, captains of industries as well as other relevant stakeholders. According to the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the concept of the Town Hall meeting is to decentralise services and ensure that residents of the State irrespective of their location, be it in the inner cities, urban and rural areas are aware of the existence of the relevant laws as well as the support services available to them, these according to her include medical, social services and partner NGOs in their communities. She added that the purpose of the community outreach is to solidify its partnership with Local governments as well as creation of a community response teams who would serve as first responders, thereby opening up the referral pathway for survivors desirous of accessing justice. Vivour-Adeniyi added that this year DSVA is more committed to ensuring that the present administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu’s zero tolerance  declaration to all forms of Domestic and Sexual Violence is attained. On his own part, the Executive Chairman of Surulere Local Government who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Dosunmu Adewale assured participants of the Local Government’s zeal and desire in ensuring all relevant stakeholders collaborate and rid out the menace of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) out of the State. The Executive Chairman  of Coker AGUDA Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ibrahim Rasaq Lekan also reiterated the same.  Dr. Veronica Iwayemi of the Primary Health Care Board as well as DSP Abimbola Williams of the Lagos State Police Command, enlightened participants on issues related to SGBV  and informed them of community resources available at their disposal. The town hall meeting is to be held in all the LGAs as well as LCDAs across the State.

Mobile Court Warns Against Flouting Traffic Laws

The Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court has warned recalcitrant motorists fond of violating the traffic laws of the State  to desist or be ready to face the consequences of their actions under the Law. The Coordinator , Special Offences Mobile Court, Mrs. Arinola Ogbara gave the warning on Thursday during an awareness and sensitisation campaign to road users and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), on the need to obey the State Traffic laws. The Coordinator  noted that the agency decided to embark on the sensitisation tour in order to declare a zero tolerance for violation of traffic offences and create more awareness on the dangers of driving against traffic (One Way) as well as other traffic offences stating that this will go a long way in eradicating these offences. “The mobile court has deemed it necessary to sensitise members of the public on zero tolerance for violation of traffic offences such as driving in a direction prohibited by law, driving on designated BRT Corridor and obstruction of vehicular traffic on the highway amongst others”. She noted that these traffic offences are strict liability offences and punishable under the Transport law of Lagos State 2018 while stating that the mobile courts are not out to victimise road users but to ensure that sanity prevails on the roads. “The penalty for driving against traffic (One-Way) is forfeiture under the State transport law 2018 and there is no fine for that” the coordinator warned.   “Members of the public particularly road users are enjoined to desist from violating traffic laws but partner with the State Government towards ensuring the preservation of lives and properties as well as the free flow of traffic movement on the highway” Ogbara posited. The Chairman of the NURTW Lagos Chapter, Mr. Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, better known as MC Oluomo during the advocacy campaign noted that Lagos remains one of the union’s major chapters with huge membership. Adding that the NURTW under his leadership will ensure that the Statr transport union members co-operate with the State Government in order to ensure that commercial bus drivers also known as ‘Danfo Drivers’ obey the traffic laws and guidelines” “The constitution of the union stipulates that members must work with the government to ensure peaceful coexistence,” he added  The union leader urged members of the union to adhere strictly to the State’s Traffic Law and whosoever goes against it will face the full wrath of the State Government and be prosecuted accordingly. The team also went around Ikeja, Agege and Oshodi visiting motor parks and advocating safe driving to commuters and drivers.

Be Good Ambassadors – Commissioner

The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN has urged the newly appointed High  Court Judges from the State Ministry of Justice to be efficient in the discharge of their duties and be good ambassadors of the Ministry of Justice. The Attorney-General stated this during a reception in honour  of the 5 newly appointed judges held on Tuesday at the Ministry’s Conference room. He expressed joy and satisfaction noting that the 5 newly appointed judges are one of the best hands in the Ministry stating that their elevation is a testament to the caliber of State counsel in the employ of the State. He further stated that this shows the passion that the administration of Mr Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has towards the development of lawyers in the employ of the State while reiterating that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice is the largest law firm in Africa. Onigbanjo therefore charged the High Court  Judges to dispense justice according to the dictates of the law and in good conscience stating that they are representative of God on earth. “If anybody can say apart from clergymen, you are also a true representative of God on earth because you hold the power of life and death over people. It’s not only in a criminal trial when you sentence someone to death by hanging but by mere decisions which could mean life and death to the person” He however prayed for wisdom, knowledge and understanding for the judges as they carry out their responsibilities while praying further that as they have distinguished themselves in the Ministry  of Justice, God will guide them through to write their name in gold in the State Judiciary. In her closing remarks the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey congratulated the newly appointed judges on their elevation to the bench urging them to uphold the tenets of justice while thanking them for honouring the Ministry’s invitation. She went further to state that their elevation to the bench will serve as motivation to State counsel aspire to go to the bench noting that it comes with hardwork and dedication. She encouraged them to tarry on with perseverance and diligence to duty. The High court judges expressed their gratitude for the reception promising to uphold the tenet of justice to the best of their ability and that they will continue to be good ambassadors of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. In attendance were  Hon.Justice Adenrera Olayinka Adeyemi, Hon.Justice Oluwatoyin Atinuke Odusanya,Hon.Justice Akinkunmi Olusegun Idowu ,Hon.Justice Mujibat Iyabode Oshodi,Hon Justice Muyibat Mosunmola Balogun,family members and well wishers.

PAC Moves to Sensitize Lagos Residents On Free Legal Services

The Lagos State Public Advice Centre (PAC) on Tuesday embarked on a sensitisation campaign across the Lagos metropolis to educate residents on the activities of the centre, especially its free legal services. The Director of PAC, Mr. Tunji Dawodu, who led the exercise, stressed that in addition to the free legal services, the Centre also provides support to Lagosians who seek accurate information to engender harmonious living with one another.  While urging some Balogun Market traders and residents to avail themselves of the free legal services offered by PAC, Dawodu encouraged them to always visit the Agency’s office located at Alausa, Ikeja, beside the Secretariat Mosque, for necessary legal assistance. In his words: “This Centre is your first port of call for anything and everything. All residents in the State can contact us or visit our office at Alausa to lodge their complaints or make enquiries”. He explained that the advocacy campaign was designed to educate Lagosians, especially traders, marketmen and women, whose daily activities could hinder them from accessing the services of the Agency. “The strategy we have decided to adopt for this year is to take our services to the people and not wait for them to come to us. We don’t want our people to suffer as a result of ignorance or lack of relevant information”, Dawodu said. The Director, therefore, urged all Lagos residents to abide by existing laws and regulations guiding their daily activities, saying that the Centre will always lend its support in as much as citizens act within the ambit of the law.

NGOs and Lagos State Government Step Up Partnership To Proactively Address Sexual And Gender Based Violence.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme organised a roundtable Ddscussion with non-governmental organizations in a bid to strengthen the existing synergy and collaboration between DSVA and the NGO’s.. The meeting which took place on the 26th of January, 2021 was held at Pearlwort Hotel & Suites, Alausa, Ikeja and had in attendance the Executive Secretary of DSVA, a representative from ROLAC and thirty representatives of the Non-Governmental Organizations whose thematic areas are sexual violence in Lagos State. In her opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour –Adeniyi, stated that for transparency and accountability purposes, it was important to brief partner NGOs on the yearly report of activities of the agency. Whilst presenting the scorecard of the agency, the Executive Secretary discussed the activities organized by the agency from January to December, 2021 as she further enlightened the participants on the various interventions of the State Government and also highlighted the data in the year under review. According to her, the Agency had provided services to 3943 survivors, 2721 adults and 1222 children. Furthermore, Alimosho, Kosofe, Ikeja, Ikorodu and Eti Osa Local Governments had recorded the highest reporting of occurrence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the State. At the round table discussion, Non-Governmental Organizations were also given an opportunity to share the successes and challenges encountered in the past year. The common challenges highlighted by the representatives were lack of funding of the NGOs, institutional challenges and withdrawal of cases by some of the victims. A common highlight and success story recorded by the NGos was the fruitful sensitization programmes held at schools, markets and communities to raise awareness against domestic and sexual violence. Whilst responding to the concerns raised, Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi reiterated  the state government’s zero tolerance to all forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence by the Governor Sanwo-Olu Administration . The representatives of the Non- Governmental Organizations were urged to continue to be proactive in the fight against Domestic and Sexual violence in Lagos State.

AG&PT SET TO FAST TRACK ACQUISITION OF LAs

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

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

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

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.

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