Lagos State Ministry of Justice

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OPD RESCUES VICTIMS OF DEFILEMENT, HANDS SUSPECT TO POLICE

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The Lagos State Office of the Public Defender (OPD), acting on a tip off has recently rescued four young girl victims of defilement in Ikorodu area of the State and a suspect Sunday Fatoba aged 41 years has been arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police in lgbogbo for investigation. The suspect was alleged to have had regular intercourse with the victims whose ages are between eleven (11)  and fourteen (14) years, and among them are siblings of the same parent, this continued until OPD got wind of the situation and got the perpetrator arrested. The arrest of the suspect was made possible through the information received by the OPD Ikorodu from a concerned member of the public. The community leaders thereafter collaborated with the Nigeria Police, lgbogbo to effect the arrest of the suspect and assist in the Police investigation. Reacting to the incident, the Director, Lagos State Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju commended the community leaders for standing by the law to promote justice for the victims. The Director urged community leaders and citizens within the State to join hands with the OPD in the fight against the violation of human rights, support protection of the vulnerable in the society and report cases of rape and defilement to the nearest office of the OPD. She assured members of the public that any information received from them would be treated with a despatch, and the identity of such informant would be protected with utmost confidentiality.

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LASG OFFERS IBA RESIDENTS FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION

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The Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Justice has once again extended its Joint Free Legal Clinic to residents of Iba on Tuesday at the Iba Local Council Development Area of the State. TheSolicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje, represented by the Coordinator Restorative Justice Centre, Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi in her welcome address stated that the Joint Free Legal Clinic is aimed at bringing awareness and also empowering the residents of Lagos State to seek and demand legal services offered by the State. The Solicitor General noted that access to justice is a basic fundamental human right and a principle of the rule of law. In the absence of access to justice, people are unable to exercise their rights or have their voice heard. “Having access to the right legal advice at the earliest point possible is crucial for residents who have complaints, to ensure they have the support and help they need”, she said. Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje stressed that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and its Agencies are present to educate and deliver legal services to Iba residents at no cost which is in accordance with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s “T.H.E.M.E.S” Agenda to promote and ensure free access to justice by residents of the State. She however urged Iba residents to support the State Government’s dream of building a crime-free State with respect for the rule of law and fundamental human rights. On his part, the Chairman Iba Local Council Development Area, Hon. Isa Abiola Jubril, appreciated the laudable free legal clinic initiative. “Access to advice and support as early as possible is necessary in helping people navigate the legal system at a time of immense stress and difficulty. Alongside this, we welcome the State Government’s commitment to provide free access to justice for the people of Iba”, He said. Hon. Isa Abiola Jubril therefore extended his appreciation towards Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Ministry of Justice and its agencies for not only initiating the exercise but also for its bold steps in taking the legal clinic to the nooks and crannies of the State. He urged Iba residents to take full advantage of the legal services that will be provided by the Ministry of Justice and its agencies to ensure seamless alternative resolutions, easy dispensation of justice, and a peaceful co-existence among the people of Iba. Delivering the vote of thanks, Deputy Director, Directorate Of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Banke Ogunode, expressed immense gratitude towards the State Government, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, lawyers, State Counsel and other members of staff for their support towards ensuring a speedy dispensation of justice across the State. Agencies present  at the event to offer its free  legal services  includes Citizens Mediation Centre, Directorate for Citizens Rights,Administrator General and Public Trustee,Office of the Public Defender,Community Service Unit,Directorate of Public Prosecution (Plea Bargain and Restorative Justice) Other attendees are Lawyers and Staff of Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Local Government Officials, Police Officers, Market leaders and  numerous Iba residents.

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PRESS RELEASEL: LASG PROVIDES FREE LEGAL SERVICES TO IBEJU-LEKKI RESIDENTS

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In a bid to further strengthen the justice system and promote the rights  of citizens ,the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Justice on Wednesday extended its Joint free legal Clinic to residents of Ibeju-Lekki and its environs held at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Lagos. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs  Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje ably represented by The Director Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC), Mrs. Biola  Oseni, stated that all Lagos State residents must have access to justice irrespective of age, gender or socio- economic class. The Solicitor General also noted that the Directorates and Agencies in the Ministry of Justice offer free services in one or more particular areas which includes family disputes, landlord/tenant issues, domestic violence against women and children, estate properties of the deceased who has died without a will, amongst others. Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje further explained that the Joint Free Legal Clinic holds yearly at various communities across the State, to make legal consultation closer to the people while sensitizing the residents on their rights in accordance with the law and to ensure justice, promote peace and harmony among the citizens. She however urged the residents of Ibeju-Lekki and its environs to continue showing support to the State Government as this will promote a peaceful dialogue between the people and the government for harmonious coexistence and development in Ibeju Kingdom. The Chairman Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Oluwa, represented by the Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services, Hon. Kareem Olatunde Muyideen expressed gratitude for the laudable free legal initiative presented to the people of Ibeju-Lekki. Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa also extended his gratitude to the Lagos State Government, Ministry of Justice and its agencies for including the indigenous people of Ibeju-Lekki kingdom in this excellent free legal exercise as this will further improve the harmony and balance among its people. While appreciating the State Government for its free legal services, the Paramount ruler of Ibeju kingdom, HRM. Wasiu Olasunkanmi Oguntolu 1, urged residents of Ibeju-Lekki to embrace and accept the services provided by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and its agencies. The Paramount ruler represented by High Chief Moshood Adewale urged Ibeju residents to always adhere to the laws of the State and never take laws into their hands.  Oba Oguntolu therefore pledged that all that was absorbed during the sensitization program will be disseminated to other residents of the community while assuring the full support of his office to the State Government, Ministry of Justice and its agencies. Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director, Directorate for Citizens’ Rights, Ms. Adetutu Oshinusi, expressed immense gratitude towards the Lagos State Government, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State, Directors, lawyers, State Counsel and other members of staff for their support towards ensuring a speedy dispensation of justice across the State. Other attendees at the event includes notable traditional rulers of Ibeju Lekki ,Youth leaders,Local Government officials,market men  and women and Ibeju Lekki residents.

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Lagos Showcase Achievements At 2023 NBA (SPIDEL) Annual Conference

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The Lagos State Government recently , through the State’s Ministry  of Justice, showcased some of its achievements at the j 2023 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) at  Citadel Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos Speaking during the Lagos Showcase Session on Thursday,23rd June,2023,at the just concluded NBA (SPIDEL) Annual Conference, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-bey-Jeje noted that the constant reform of laws in the State is to enhance the administration of the criminal justice system while providing unabridged access to justice for all residents in the State She stressed that a total number of 25 bills have been passed and signed into law to ensure speedy dispensation of Justice in the State “Lagos has always been an innovative State which creates people-oriented laws and policy design to make life better and safer for its people of diverse culture, race, nationality, religion and social status” she said. She further stated that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to enhancing the quality of service delivery of the State  judiciary through renovations of various Magistrate and High Court buildings across the State, noting that 10 courts have been fully digitalized, as well creating an online platform where citizens of the State can visit to access all forms of legal advice. The Administrator-General and Public Trustee of the State,Mr. Oduyebo noted that the Office was established with the statutory responsibility of managing and equitably sharing Assets of Estates of persons who died interstate (without leaving a Will),but however,AG&PT can act on behalf of estate of deceased persons who left a Will especially when the Testator makes the agency as the executor of the Will. He emphasized  that the agency has the mandate to manage and distribute the assets of the estates to the beneficiaries who have proved their relationship to the deceased in line with the relevant laws of the State He also revealed that individuals through the agency can obtain letters of administration in respect of estate under its management, amongst others. While speaking on the activities of the her unit, the Coordinator of the Special Task Force on LandGrabber, Miss. Rukayat Shomade, disclosed that over 7000 petitions have been received since the establishment of the agency in June, 2016. Shomade further stated that 2500 petitions have been treated with about 1500 petitions outside the State’s  jurisdiction considered to be frivolous while stressing that  10 convictions have been made and 70 petitioners have fully recovered their property. Other Dignitaries at the event includes  Lawyers, Directors, Counsel and other members of the bar and bench.

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Prerogative of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu Approves Release Of 104 Inmates

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, has approved the release of 104 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State. The Governor signed the release order on the 28th of December 2022 in cognisance of the Spirit of the Season and the New Year Festive Celebration. The exercise is pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1)&(2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria ( as 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 the offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioural 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. Signed Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN Lagos State Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice 30th of December, 2022

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Lagos Court Remands ASP Drambi Vandi

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A Magistrate Court sitting in Yaba on Friday has remanded ASP Drambi Vandi who allegedly murdered Mrs Omobolanle Raheem on the 25th of December, 2022 at Ajah Roundabout, Ajah, Lagos. Lagos Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN who appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court, Yaba, applied for the remand of the defendant pursuant to Section 264 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos, 2015.  Attached to the remand request is  a one count charge of Murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17 Vol. 3 Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Chief Magistrate, C.A. Adedayo granted the request of the Honourable Attorney-General and ordered the remand of the Suspect for the first 30 days in line with the provision of the law pending further investigation by the Police. Also in appearance at the court includes the Solicitor/General, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, the, Deputy Director, Adebayo Haroun, O/C Legal Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command, Y.O. Cardoso and Assistant Director, O.R. Saliu while Moses Jah-Nissi appeared for ASP Drambi Vandi. The Court adjourned the case to 30th of January, 2023 for the review of the remand Order and ordered the case file be duplicated and sent to the DPP for legal advice

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MOJ Rewards Outstanding Officers

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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Thursday rewarded outstanding officers who have shown commitment and diligence at their duty post during the course of the year. The award cuts across all the departments,agencies and units under the Ministry of Justice. The honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (S.A.N), in his address at the ministry’s Y2022 merit award and end of year ceremony, commended the outstanding officers and members of staff for their efforts all through the year, noting that the management staff cannot work efficiently without the support of other staff members. “We appreciate all efforts to ensure the ministry runs smoothly, the Permanent Secretary  and I can’t do this without you and as we go to war against citizens that break the law of Lagos State, when we turn back and see the formidable team from all the departments and agencies, we are sure of winning the war”. Furthermore, he stated that the sanity and safety that the State is benefitting right now is due to the diligence exhibited by law enforcement officers, prosecutors and drafters amongst others in the State. “Lagos is the safest state in Nigeria simply because of the work that you all have done. The assiduousness displayed by all is one of the reasons why Lagos State still enjoys relative safety which has resulted to a large influx of people. It’s because of the work you do in enforcement, prosecuting crimes, defending the State against frivolous cases and in drafting laws that ensures the state achieves its potential as a 21st century State”. The Commissioner  however charged members of staff to self access themselves and make necessary adjustments where they are found wanting while making efforts to be better at their duty post next year. He commended the winners of this year’s prize for their efforts while charging them not to relent  on their oars, noting that only excellence is good for residents of Lagos State while a lot is expected from the Ministry of Justice next year and beyond. He also enjoined those that didn’t win not to give up in their pursuit of excellence.  Onigbanjo concluded by wishing members of Staff a Merry Christmas and prosperous new year in good health. The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey expressed delight seeing members of staff looking radiant and colorful. She noted that the award is necessary to serve as a morale booster for members of staff to be able to do more. She congratulated the winners while urging them to put in extra efforts next year noting that the reward for hard work is more work. There were various awards in different categories with winners emerging from departments in the ministry as well as agencies including Office of the Public Defender(OPD), Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Citizen Mediation Centre (CMC), Mobile court amongst others.

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RESTORATIVE JUSTICE WEEK 2022.LAGOS SENSITIZES CORRECTIONAL CENTRE FOR BOYS ON VICTIM OFFENDER MEDIATION

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As part of efforts to promote peaceful communities ,transforming the Criminal justice system and prevent re-offending,the Lagos State Restorative Justice Center  on Thursday expanded its sensitization campaign to the Lagos Correctional Centre for Boys ,Oregun,Lagos in Commemoration of the Lagos Restorative  Justice  week 2022. Speaking during visit,the  Coordinator, RJC, Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi, stated that the establishment of the restorative justice centre is to serve as an alternative dispute resolution and as a tool for decongesting the less serious case in the court system. “Restorative justice is a form of alternative dispute resolution and we are determined to deploy it as a tool for decongesting as many of the less serious cases in the dockets of the court system and invariably the overcrowded correctional centres”. The Coordinator further stated that during the Victim Offender  mediation(VOM),the victim and offender are brought together to repair the harm while the offender is reintegrated back to the society  to achieve a sense of healing for both parties . “Restorative Justice  seeks to provide opportunities for victims, offenders, and communities affected by a crime to communicate (directly or indirectly) about the causes, circumstances, and impact of that crime, and to address their related needs.” Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi hereby reiterated the State Government’s resolve to ensure an effective dispensation of justice whereby people can walk into the centre to make enquiries as well as file complaints She added that the Centre is equipped with excellent and exceptional facilitators to ensure transparency and due process in accordance with the Criminal Justice system of the State The Coordinator and Principal of the Special Correctional Home for Boys, Mr. Iyapo, expressed his profound and heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the correctional facility to the State Government, Ministry of Justice and the RJ Steering Committee who have spared time out of their busy schedule to enlighten the boys on the benefits of  restorative justice, its importance and workability.He however assured the committee members of the commitment of the school in further educating the boys and parents alike. Other Attendees includes members of the Restorative Justice Steering Committee- Director CMC, Mrs. Abiola Oseni, State Counsel, Mrs.Soewu and lawyers. The Year 2022 Rjc week is themed “Self Accountability:Aligning your actions with your values. It should be recalled that the Restorative justice week is held every November to create awareness about the benefits of RJ for the victim,offender,communities and stakeholders.

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Lagos Commissioner Bags  Attorney General of The Year Award.

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Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN ) on Sunday , received the “Attorney General of the Year” Award at the just concluded ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards 2022 held at the Landmark Event Centre,Oniru, Lagos. The Attorney General who was represented at the award ceremony by the Administrator General and Public Trustee, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi was honoured with the award in recognition of his outstanding performance as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State and his immense contribution to the transformation of justice delivery and promotion of the rule of law in the State. The Award is a testament to the highest standard that the Commissioner has attained in the law profession and the enviable position that he occupies in African legal practice.

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