Prerogative Of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu Approves Release Of 246 Inmates.
……And Commuttal Of 39 Death Row Inmates To Life Imprisonment. Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy has approved the release of 246 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State and the commuttal of 39 inmates on death row to life imprisonment. The Governor signed the release and commuttal orders on the 20th of December, 2023 in cognizance of the New Year Celebrations. The exercise is in pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (amended). The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications in line with the applicable guidelines. The Council took note of the information provided by the correctional authorities, the nature of offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioral conduct of the inmates. The approval for the release of the inmates is in line with the commitment of Mr. Governor to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms
Lagos Reiterates Commitment To Law Enforcement.
The Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to its continued relationship and synergy with all Law Enforcement Agencies in the State. The Director (LETI) Mrs Abiola Adeyinka made this declaration during an interactive session at the Vehicle Inspection Services office Ojodu today 7th, November 2023. Mrs Adeyinka in her statement implored Law enforcement Officers to imbibe good relationships with the public in order to have a hitch free patrol and make Lagos a friendly State. She noted that the Agency in its next edition of mandatory training exercise for officers will make available copies of enforcement laws in order to assist them in their everyday duties. The Director therefore stressed on the body worn cameras introduced by the State and its importance to all Law enforcement agencies in carrying out their day to day activities adding that this will enable officers to have facts of events while carrying out their duties. Responding, Engr Akin- George Fashola, Director ( VIS) in his words, said the Agency is also committed to LETI and is ready to work hand in hand with the agency in order to bring Lagos State to an enviable stage. He, however advised LETI to integrate technology usage during training in order for officers to have hitch free patrol on the roads. Engr. Kayode Oladesu (Director, Operations) in his reaction, stated that LETI is a partner to VIS and that even with technology, officers needs to go out to enforce law because some people still go against the law. He noted that people do not pay fines as at when due, they move with dilapidated vehicles and with these, officers atimes do home arrest for non- payment of fines and also at point of renewal. Engr. Fashola however said Lagos State will not rest on its oars until the Agency perfects its technology usage on road worthiness. During the session, the management staff of LETI were taken across all the facilities of the VIS and most importantly, their camera room to show the operations of VIS and vehicles on Lagos State roads. By Bankale Okedara
AG & PT pays a courtesy visit to Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice
Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr Lawal Pedrol (SAN) received the Management Staff of the Office of the Administrator General and Public Trustee(AGPT) during a courtesy visit to the Hon Attorney General at the Conference room of the State Ministry of Justice on Friday,27th October 2023 The Commissioner expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the visitation team led by the Administrator General and Public Trustee ,Mr Olajide Oduyebo. He charged law officers in AGPT to brace up for change and challenges in achieving effective and efficient service delivery in the administration of Justice in the State He stressed that the Administration of Mr Baba jide Olusola Sanwoolu is totally committed to promoting easy and seamless access to justice for the citizens of Lagos State.
OPD In Collaboration With NITA On A 6-Day Workshop On Trial Advocacy, Forensic Interview And Crime Scene Protocol
Lagos Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), at the closing ceremony of a 6-Day Workshop on Trial Advocacy, Forensic Interview and Crime Scene Protocol organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Office of the Public Defender in collaboration with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) ,Colorado ,USA on Friday, 13th of October at the Dover Hotel, Ikeja. The Attorney General expressed gratitude and appreciation towards the 17man NITA Team led by Judge Ann Claire Williams and the 5man local faculty for their support and selfless commitment towards promoting the justice system in Lagos State, Nigeria. Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) assured the team that the knowledge garnered during the 6day advocacy workshop will improve productivity and also assist Counsel and the Judiciary in the State to maintain competent legal jurisprudence, uphold ethical or best/ standard practices, and effectively represent clients in court.
LASG Warns Against Violation Of Traffic Laws
The Lagos State Government through the Special Offences (Mobile) Court, has warned rebellious motorists fond of violating the traffic law of the state to desist or be ready to face the consequences of their actions under the law. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN) represented by the Director for Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins made this declaration on Thursday during the one day sensitization program organized by the Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court, themed: ZERO TOLERANCE FOR VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC OFFENCES at Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos. He said that this sensitization program is in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the present administration in fulfilling the promises of transportation and traffic management. The Attorney General also stated that the State Government has reiterated its stance on zero tolerance for violation of traffic offenses such as driving in a direction prohibited by law also known as (ONE-WAY), plying the designated (BRT) Corridor and obstruction of vehicular movement on the highway amongst others. Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), enjoined road users to partner with the State Government towards overcoming traffic challenges while urging them not to stand aloof but play their roles to ensure free flow of Traffic on the highway. He also noted that these offenses are strict liability offenses and are punishable under the Transport Sector Law of Lagos State, 2018. The Coordinator Special Offences (Mobile) Court, Mrs. Arinola Ogbara Banjoko 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 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 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. She added that safety on the road is crucial in a megacity like Lagos, stressing that offences like driving against traffic is a crime that should not be taken lightly. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, DCP Khan Salau, commended the Lagos State Government, Ministry of Justice and the Special Offences (Mobile) Court for this laudable initiative of sensitizing residents on the consequences attached to the violation of traffic laws in the State. He added that the acts of lawlessness, recklessness and impunity being exhibited by some commercial drivers and uniformed men, were worrisome as they grossly violate traffic laws of the state. DCP Salau appealed to the residents of the state to desist from violating traffic laws as well as encourage road users to do same. He said that the command would implement full enforcement of the State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018 and other extant laws of Lagos State on violators that would be apprehended.
LASG Reiterates Commitment To Access To Justice
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment in the pursuit of free access to justice in the State. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, ably represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje made this declaration on Monday at the opening ceremony of a 6-Day Workshop on Advocacy, Forensic Interview and Crime Scene Protocol organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Office of the Public Defender in collaboration with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA)at the Dover Hotel, Ikeja. In his goodwill message, the AG expressed a heartfelt gratitude towards the NITA Faculty for generously dedicating their time to share their professional knowledge and expertise in various aspects of the law. He stated that the Lagos State Government through the Office of the Public Defender is unwavering in its pursuit of social inclusion and free access to justice by residents of Lagos State. “our vision is to enhance the quality of life for every individual regardless of their gender, tribe and social status which falls under the definition of our indigent and vulnerable persons, while ensuring that there is equal access to justice by all and sundry”, he said. Mr. Lawal Pedro ,SAN further noted that in any organization, it’s greatest asset is its employees and research have demonstrated that dedicated employee trainings and development programmes are not just essential for creating a skilled workforce but also for boosting productivity. He stressed that the workshop will be instrumental in fostering the exchange of legal knowledge and expertise, while equipping counsel of the State with the necessary skills to thrive in the Lagos State Justice System. Other notable Dignitaries at the event includes the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu rep by the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, High Court Judges, Magistrates, Directors ,Counsel and legal officers in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
Lagos AG Affirms Commitment to International Collaboration
…pledges support for improved and efficient administration of justice for economic growth in Lagos State . The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to fostering strong partnerships and collaborations with both Nigerian and international partners for the advancement of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, its agencies and the entire justice sector. Speaking recently during a courtesy visit by delegation from the Pepperdine Schoolof Law, Sudreau Global Justice Institute based in California, United States ofAmerica, at the conference room of theLagos State Ministry of Justice,Secretariat Alausa Ikeja, Mr Lawal Pedro SAN, commended the dedication and zeal demonstrated by the visiting team, led by Mr. Cameron McCollum, Director of Sudreau Global Justice Institute, towards enhancing the delivery of justice in the State. Mr. Pedro SAN also lauded the remarkable progress achieved by the visiting delegation and expressed his commitment to sustaining the collaboration which the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has built with the Pepperdine School of Law via a memorandum entered into by both parties towards enhancing the justice system by making it more efficient, effective and accessible to all Earlier at the meeting, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, revealed that the delegates from Pepperdine School of Law, Sudreau Global Justice Institute had previously visited the Ministry in March 2023 to study the processes employed by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in the discharge of its ministerial responsibilities. She went on to explain that, following a series of interviews and interactions with Directors and Counsel in the ministry, the delegates had compiled a comprehensive report titled-The Lagos State Ministry of Justice Report and Change Model. She emphasized that the detailed report would identify both the strengths and areas requiring improvement within the Ministry and provide cost-effective intervention to address them towards enhancing the administration of the justice system in the State. Mr. Cameron McCollum, Director of Sudreau Global Justice Institute, expressed his gratitude to the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Directors and Counsel in the Ministry for their outstanding cooperation during the compilation of the report. Mr.Alan Collier, West Africa Director of Pepperdine School of Law, Sudreau Global Justice Institute highlighted the significance of the report noting that it would serve as an invaluable guide during the analysis, evaluation, and decision-making processes towards justice delivery in the State. He also lauded the humility expressed by the leadership of the Ministry in allowing his team to analyse, identify and make appropriate recommendations towards the common objective of enhancing access to justice in Lagos State, despite the many giant strides of the State in the justice sector. He therefore emphasized the need for increased collaboration and partnership in the administration of Justice at both the State and National levels in Nigeria by leveraging the operational framework of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. The highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of the comprehensive report by Mr. Alan Collier to the Honourable Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice to the admiration of the Directors and other staff members.
Governor’s Awards and Commendation Night
The Lagos State Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, was a Special Guest at the Governor’s Awards and Commendation Night organized by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency on Friday, 29th of September at the Whitestone Event Centre, Billings Way, Oregun Ikeja. The event also had in attendance the representative of the Governor of Lagos State and Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary MOJ, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje, Executive Secretary Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi; Directors and members of staff of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and other Notable Dignitaries.
LAGOS AG CHARGES LAW OFFICERS ON EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY.
….to embrace transparency and accountability The Lagos State Government has urged law officers in the Ministry of Justice to brace up for change and effective service delivery in the administration of justice sector. The newly appointed Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), gave the charge on Tuesday during a reception ceremony in his honor with officials of the Ministry in the conference room of the ministry at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja. He noted that the story of Lagos State Ministry of Justice has been of successes ,achievements and innovations. Adding that, the tradition of progressive governance has set the ministry apart and strengthened people’s belief in its ideology. “It imperative to understand that there will be obstacles left and right during the course of discharging our duties, it is also up to us to know that we can overcome these obstacles. Yes, hard problems may confront us, but we will also confront it. Every problem will lose its potency to our unity in the ministry of justice”, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) further explained that the impending change would be targeted at building a positive public image through effective feedback mechanism and prompt, timely and courteous service, while urging law officers to embrace transparency and accountability in their official conduct “I ask you to join me on this journey to pilot the affairs of the ministry to greater heights. Let us vow to ourselves, and to posterity that we shall collectively rise up to build the legacy we have always hoped for”. He said. Speaking earlier,the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje, noted that the ministry of justice is saddled with the primary responsibility of ensuring compliance with the rule of law. “Our mission here is to improve the delivery of Justice, through robustness and professionalism while maintaining synergy with all tiers of government”, she said. The Solicitor General further stressed, that the Ministry is also a multi-point bridge and an intermediary between the people and the State Government and is the first point of call in Justice Administration of the State. She however assured the Attorney General, that the staff will support him at all levels to ensure quick dispensation of justice while strengthening the rule of law in the State. Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director Civil Litigation, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga expressed immense gratitude towards the State Government, Solicitor General and other invited guests for gracing the occasion, while wishing the newly appointed Attorney General a successful tenure. Notable dignitaries in attendance includes Mrs Pedro and Children, Directors, Counsel, Guests and staff of the ministry.