Lagos State Ministry of Justice

LAGOS CELEBRATES WORLD HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

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…Governor Approves Release of 91 Inmates‎‎In commemoration of the 2025 World Human Rights Day,the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has approved the release of 91 inmates as part of the State Government’s commitment to the rule of law and the protection of fundamental human rights.‎‎The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, made this announcement during a press briefing on Wednesday, December 10, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration in advancing the promotion and protection of human rights.‎‎In his address, the Attorney-General noted that every December 10, the global community reflects on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)—a foundational document that continues to guide democratic societies in entrenching the rule of law.‎‎He explained that this year’s theme, “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” serves as a timely reminder that fundamental rights are not privileges reserved for a few, but essential entitlements necessary for the safety, dignity, and well-being of every individual.‎‎Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Mr. Pedro recalled the nation’s transition from prolonged military rule in 1999—a period marked by suspended constitutional rights, restricted access to justice, arbitrary arrests, detentions without trial, suppression of free speech, and weakened democratic institutions. He added that this transition led to the establishment of the Directorate of Citizens’ Rights (DCR) by the Lagos State Government.‎‎According to the Commissioner, the Directorate of Citizens’ Rights has become a key pillar of the Lagos State justice system and now handles a broad range of matters—including tenancy disputes, children’s rights, unlawful detention, family issues, workplace grievances, debtor–creditor cases, and the protection of persons living with HIV—resolving most through mediation.‎‎“In the past year, the Directorate received about 1,950 petitions, mediated 1,200 cases, and is currently handling 50 fundamental rights suits involving police misconduct, unlawful detention, property disputes, and parental access,” he added.‎‎In furtherance of the State Government’s amnesty initiative to mark the 2025 Human Rights Day, the Commissioner announced that Governor Sanwo-Olu, acting on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, has exercised his power of clemency for the release of convicts who have served more than 75% of their sentences in correctional facilities.‎A total of 91 inmates will benefit from the gesture: 80 are to be released immediately,6 by January 31, 2026,3 by February 28, 2026,1 by March 31, 2026, and 1 by April 30, 2026.‎‎He added that two convicts on death row have had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.‎‎Mr. Pedro expressed appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering support for the justice system, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights in Lagos State. He also urged residents to obey laws and regulations and to collaborate with the Government in building a just, peaceful, and inclusive society.

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Lagos Urges Residents to Embrace Mediation Services

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The Lagos State Government has called on residents to take full advantage of the community-based mediation services offered by the Citizens’ Mediation Bureau (CMB).‎‎Permanent Secretary of the CMB, Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju, made the statement while addressing residents at the Badagry Division of the IBILE Stakeholders Meeting held on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025.‎‎She described mediation as a safe and neutral space where residents can resolve disputes without the cost, delay, or hostility often associated with litigation.‎‎Mrs. Olanrewaju explained that the government has strengthened the mediation system to continue reducing community conflicts and prevent disagreements from escalating in lagos.‎‎She added that mediators are trained annually to handle Civil matters ranging from family and landlord-tenant disputes to commercial and workplace conflicts.‎‎She urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and local officials to encourage residents to make use of the Bureau’s services rather than resort to self-help, emphasizing that grassroots peace remains a major priority for the State Government.‎‎Keynote speaker, Mrs. Kehinde Taiwo, speaking on the theme “Mediation in Challenging Times – Building Peaceful Communities Through Dialogue,” described the forum as a clarion call for urgent action. She stressed that building peace is not the government’s sole responsibility; every resident has a role to play.‎‎According to her, if community leaders, religious leaders, market women, youth, and families actively promote peace, Lagos will continue to serve as a model of harmony and peaceful communities.‎‎Also speaking, Aholu Whenton, the 1st De Yeyi of Ajara Topa, Topa Kingdom, Badagry, Aholu Samuel Amosu Owolabani commended the Bureau’s efforts in promoting peace across Lagos.‎‎He pledged continued collaboration and promised to further raise awareness among residents about the mediation services.

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Lagos Urges Residents to Embrace Mediation Services

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‎The Lagos State Government has called on residents to take full advantage of the community-based mediation services offered by the Citizens’ Mediation Bureau (CMB).‎‎Permanent Secretary of the CMB, Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju, made the statement while addressing residents at the Badagry Division of the IBILE Stakeholders Meeting held on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025.‎‎She described mediation as a safe and neutral space where residents can resolve disputes without the cost, delay, or hostility often associated with litigation.‎‎Mrs. Olanrewaju explained that the government has strengthened the mediation system to continue reducing community conflicts and prevent disagreements from escalating in lagos.‎‎She added that mediators are trained annually to handle Civil matters ranging from family and landlord-tenant disputes to commercial and workplace conflicts.‎‎She urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and local officials to encourage residents to make use of the Bureau’s services rather than resort to self-help, emphasizing that grassroots peace remains a major priority for the State Government.‎‎Keynote speaker, Mrs. Kehinde Taiwo, speaking on the theme “Mediation in Challenging Times – Building Peaceful Communities Through Dialogue,” described the forum as a clarion call for urgent action. She stressed that building peace is not the government’s sole responsibility; every resident has a role to play.‎‎According to her, if community leaders, religious leaders, market women, youth, and families actively promote peace, Lagos will continue to serve as a model of harmony and peaceful communities.‎‎Also speaking, Aholu Whenton, the 1st De Yeyi of Ajara Topa, Topa Kingdom, Badagry, Aholu Samuel Amosu Owolabani commended the Bureau’s efforts in promoting peace across Lagos.‎‎He pledged continued collaboration and promised to further raise awareness among residents about the mediation services.

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CMB Flags Off 2025 Stakeholders’ Meeting, Sensitization Campaign Across Lagos

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The Citizens’ Mediation Bureau (CMB) has commenced its 2025 IBILE Stakeholders’ Meeting and Sensitization Campaign across the metropolis.‎‎The Theme of the campaign is “Mediation in Challenging Times: Building Peaceful Communities Through Dialogue,”.‎‎The forum which provides opportunities for key actors and other stakeholders in different communities to come together to strengthen peace building across the state kicked off in Ikorodu on Wednesday, 26th November 2025.‎‎Speaking at the event, the pioneer Permanent Secretary of the Citizens’ Mediation Bureau, Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju, emphasized that the meeting was designed to deepen collaboration across the five divisions of the state known as IBILE while addressing emerging conflict trends affecting families, neighbourhoods, and businesses.‎‎She also highlighted the increasing necessity of mediation as Lagos continues its rapid expansion, and evolution, noting that issues such as family disagreements, landlord-tenant disputes, workplace crisis, and commercial or monetary claims are now on the rise.‎‎According to her “Mediation remains a reliable alternative to courtroom litigation as it saves time, resources, and preserves relationships,” Mrs. Olanrewaju stated.‎‎The CMB’s success underscores the government’s commitment to making justice accessible and efficient for all residents”.‎‎In line with the theme, The keynote speaker, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi, former Director of the CMB, provided attendees with practical insights into conflict resolution techniques and the crucial process of de-escalation.‎‎Mr. Ade Ayeni, Vice Chairman of Igbogbo Bayeku LCDA, urged residents to discontinue self-help methods and utilize the CMB’s established and accessible services to address their grievances.‎‎ The Royal Father of the Day, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, appreciated the CMB’s outreach. He emphasized that the Igbogbo community prioritizes effective conflict resolution, which has been instrumental in maintaining local peace and harmony.‎‎The commencement of the sensitization campaign marks the beginning of a broader effort by the CMB to ensure every resident is aware of and can access its free and confidential dispute resolution services.‎‎The sensitization flag-off brought together a diverse group of key stakeholders, including members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), traditional leaders, local government officials, and community residents, including market women and men.

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LAGOS COMMEMORATES INTERNATIONAL RESTORATIVE JUSTICE WEEK

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…Reaffirms Commitment to Humane and Community-Centred Justice The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Restorative Justice Week, which commenced on Monday, 24th November 2025. The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, reaffirmed the State Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening restorative justice as a core pillar of the State’s criminal justice architecture. Speaking at a press briefing held on Thursday,, the Attorney-General noted that this year’s international theme, “Restorative Justice as Human Rights,” aligns strongly with the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, particularly under Security and Governance. He stated that Lagos State continues to champion people-centred justice and community-based peacebuilding—positioning restorative justice not merely as an alternative, but as an essential tool for promoting access to justice, healing, accountability, and human dignity. Pedro highlighted the progress of the Lagos State Restorative Justice Centre, established in 2022 as the first structured restorative justice framework in Nigeria. He reported that the Centre has received 360 referrals to date, with over 80 percent successfully resolved, resulting in fewer custodial remands, reduced court pressure, quicker justice delivery, and improved community harmony. According to him, the Centre’s interventions include victim–offender mediations, restitution agreements, community service sentencing as a non-custodial measure, and its first multi-party conferencing involving government agencies and a private business entity. The Attorney-General added that most referrals were received from the Magistrate Courts, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Bureau of Public Defender, and private legal practitioners. However, he noted the relatively low referral rate from the Police, stressing the need for deeper engagement. He assured that the Ministry will strengthen collaboration with law enforcement to enhance the programme’s reach and impact. Pedro further stated that Lagos State’s achievements have positioned it as a national leader in criminal justice reform, with the Lagos model being adopted across states including Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano, Abia, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory. He expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his continuous support, and to the Honourable Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, for institutional backing. He also commended the EU-funded RoLAC Programme, International IDEA, the Prison Fellowship of Nigeria, the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse, justice sector stakeholders, and community partners for sustaining the initiative. “As we commemorate International Restorative Justice Week 2025, we make it clear that restorative justice is no longer an experiment in Lagos State. It is now a permanent and indispensable feature of our criminal justice system,” he said. He further called on the Police, justice institutions, community leaders, and the public to continue partnering with the Ministry to strengthen restorative justice and promote peaceful, community-driven resolutions across the State. In her remarks, the RoLAC Coordinator, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa, emphasised the need to expand public awareness and deepen institutional adoption of restorative justice across Lagos State. She noted that referral numbers remain low compared to the volume of minor offences entering the system, describing this as an area requiring urgent collaboration. “We look forward to increased referrals from Magistrate Courts and even the Police,” she said. “Before now, justice was all about punishment and incarceration. Now we are saying the victim and the offender can come together, discuss what happened and its impact, and reach an agreement that ensures accountability while addressing the victim’s needs.” Speaking earlier, the Solicitor-General, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga—represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins noted that the annual observance provides an important platform for Lagos State to reaffirm its leadership in justice sector reform, strengthen public awareness, and highlight progress since the establishment of the Restorative Justice Centre in 2022. Oyenuga reiterated that restorative justice remains central to the Ministry of Justice’s commitments under the THEMES+ Agenda, particularly in advancing people-centred justice, reducing court burdens, supporting victims, and promoting peaceful conflict resolution across communities. He expressed appreciation to the Attorney-General for his strategic leadership and commended justice sector stakeholders, international partners, and community organisations for their collaboration in promoting humane and effective justice solutions. The Director of the Restorative Justice Centre, Ms. Adeshola Adekunle-Bello, also expressed gratitude to the Attorney-General and the Solicitor-General for their sustained leadership in advancing restorative justice in Lagos State. She noted that their support has enabled the Centre to evolve into a functional, impactful, and nationally recognised model for community-centred justice. She acknowledged the invaluable collaboration of key justice sector institutions—including the Judiciary, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Bureau of Public Defender, Community Service Unit, District Prosecutors and the Police—as well as partners such as the EU-funded RoLAC Programme, International IDEA, the Prison Fellowship of Nigeria, and the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse. She added that these partnerships have been crucial in strengthening restorative interventions and expanding access across the State. Adekunle-Bello extended appreciation to community leaders, civil society organisations, and the press for their continued support, and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to deepening restorative practices, promoting peaceful conflict resolution, and sustaining Lagos State’s leadership in criminal justice reform.

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LAGOS HOSTS CLOSING DINNER TO CONCLUDE AFRICA COLLOQUIUM AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

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The two-day Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking, which began on Thursday, October 23, 2025, was formally concluded with a closing dinner hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice The event took place on Friday evening at the Radisson Blu Hotel,GRA, Ikeja. In his closing remarks, Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, expressed profound gratitude to all delegates and partners for their participation and valuable contributions. He described the colloquium as a significant milestone in strengthening Africa’s unified response to human trafficking and exploitation. Pedro reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to enhancing regional collaboration, supporting survivors, and enforcing stronger legal measures to combat trafficking and ritual crimes. He emphasized that Lagos would continue to spearhead initiatives promoting justice, dignity, and protection for all. Professor Cameron McCollum, Director of the Sudreau Global Justice Institute at Pepperdine University, commended participants for their courage in confronting such a difficult and often taboo subject. He noted that the discussions over the past two days had “shed light on a darkness long left unspoken,” and stressed that collective determination is essential for lasting change. McCollum also praised the Lagos State Government for its hospitality and leadership, describing the coordination of the Attorney General as instrumental to the colloquium’s success. He expressed confidence that the colloquium’s impact would extend beyond Nigeria, inspiring a sustained continental effort against human trafficking and ritual abuse. The event provided a powerful platform for delegates to reflect on the key outcomes of the colloquium and reaffirm their shared commitment to combating human trafficking and ritual abuse across Africa.

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SANWO-OLU LEADS AFRICAN LEADERS TO UNITE AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING, RITUAL ABUSE, AND SACRIFICE

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The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has called on African leaders to form a united front against human trafficking, ritual abuse, and human sacrifice, as he declared open the Inaugural 2025 Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking, currently holding at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Thursday 23rd to Friday 24th October, 2025. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Governor ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the colloquium as a defining moment for Africa’s collective conscience, urging governments and communities to work together to dismantle the networks enabling human trafficking and ritual exploitation. “This evil knows no boundaries. We must confront and defeat the dangerous myths that fuel ritual abuse—myths that wrongly link power or success to the taking of human life. Our people are not for sale, our children are not sacrifices, and our future will never be built on fear or blood ,” he said. Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the State’s commitment through the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, which continues to strengthen prosecution systems, rehabilitate survivors, and raise public awareness in collaboration with NAPTIP and international partners. Representing the Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, represented by Ezine Nwokoro, commended the organisers for addressing ritual trafficking, describing it as a “deeply disturbing layer” to human exploitation. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to legislative reforms, stronger partnerships with NAPTIP, and enhanced international cooperation to prevent and prosecute trafficking in persons. Delivering a keynote speech earlier, Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, described the colloquium as a “continental call to conscience,” noting that ritual killings and trafficking have become organised, commercialized, and transnational crimes. “Africa must rise; not in rhetoric but in responsibility,From prevention to prosecution, we must transform policies into laws and laws into action for the protection and rehabilitation of victims” He said. He further revealed that between 2022 and 2024, over 4,700 victims of trafficking were rescued and supported in Lagos, while the State enacted the Organ Harvesting Prohibition Law (2024) to tackle the illegal trade in human organs for ritual and exploitative purposes. The AG appreciated Pepperdine University and the Sudreau Global Justice Institute for their partnership since 2022, noting that Africa “does not lack capacity—only courage, coordination, and conviction.” Pedro urged stakeholders to make the colloquium a turning point in ending child killings, exploitation, and ritual abuse, affirming Lagos State’s commitment to lead legal reform and collaboration across Africa in the fight against human trafficking. Delivering her remarks, Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta L. Adamu Bello, OON, ably represented by the Director, Research and Program Development, Mr. Josiah Emerole emphasized the deep-rooted connection between ritual practices and human trafficking across Africa, warning that traffickers increasingly exploit cultural fears and spiritual manipulation to control victims. “These oaths are enforced not with guns or chains, but with deep-seated cultural fears. Ritual abuse has not disappeared; it has only evolved, crossing borders and complicating trafficking investigations”, She said. Binta urged participants to break the culture of silence, strengthen victim support systems, and promote regional and global collaboration, adding that “the lives of our children, women, and men are too precious to be sacrificed at the altar of greed, culture, or superstition”. Lagos Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary,Mr Hameed Oyenuga on his part welcomed all delegates while clamouring for better framework that will protect the most vulnerable -children, women and young people from exploitation . The colloquium, themed “A United Front Against Ritual Abuse and Sacrifice,” was convened by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Sudreau Global Justice Institute of Pepperdine University (USA) and supported by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The two-day colloquium will feature breakout sessions and discussions on the Foundation and identification of ritual abuse and Sacrifice,Victims and survivors, Investigation and Prosecution, the role of faith leaders and Community and probable solutions in curbing the menace of Rituals and human trafficking in Africa.. Dignitaries present include,Honorable Speaker, LAHA, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, ably represented by Hon. Bonu Solomon; Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba; Director, Sudreau Global Justice Institute, Pepperdine University,USA, Prof Camerjon McCollum; Judges, Magistrates, Permanent Secretaries; Attorneys Generals, ,Rep of Pepperdine University,NAPTIP,DSVA,NCS,NBA,LNSC,NIS,Directors staff of the Lagos Ministry of Justice.

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PEDRO RECEIVES CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS OF LAGOS STATE PAROLE BOARD

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…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.

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