Lagos State Ministry of Justice

    Commissioner for Justice Receives New Controller of Correctional Services, Lagos Command

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    In a bid to foster synergy in advancing administration of criminal justice in Lagos State, the new Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Services, Lagos Command, Controller B.R Freedman and his team on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (S.A.N) in his office at the Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja. Onigbanjo congratulated the new controller on his deployment to Lagos State wishing him the best in his effort to aid speedy dispensation of justice across all correctional facilities in the State. The Attorney General went further to pledge the commitment of the State Government towards sustaining the existing relationship with the command for speedy dispensation of justice. “I appreciate you for the visit as well as request that it will be a frequent one as it will assist both establishments to sort out bottlenecks regarding the speedy dispensation of justice. “Our close working relationship will further lead to the decongestion of the custodial centres in the state,” He noted.  Controller B.R Freedman stated that he strongly believes that greater and close synergy among stakeholders in the criminal justice delivery system is key to a robust and speedy trials for inmates.  “It is clear that no one stakeholder in the justice delivery system can function alone. We need each other to succeed,” he said. He also noted that through the instrument of plea bargain, there will be further decongestion of correctional facilities which is one of the major challenge facing the justice system. The familiarisation tour is part of the new Controller’s visit to important personalities, relevant agencies and strategic partners in the state.

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    Lagos Attorney General,MOJ Staff Celebrates Retiring Directors

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    The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice ,Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo,SAN on Tuesday commended Mr. Dawodu Oladehinde, Past Director Public Advice Center (PAC) and Mr. Bajulaiye Adegboyega, former Executive Secretary and head of  Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) ,Magodo for their excellent and meritorious service to the State after attaining the statutory retirement age and 35years in Service respectively Speaking during the last day in office ceremony organised by the Ministry at the ministry’s conference room at Alausa Ikeja,the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) showered praises on the retirees for their dedication, commitment, and excellent service to the State Government. In his words: “Mr Dawodu and Mr Bajulaiye have given their best to the ministry, it is befitting that we organize this celebration to honour them and to usher them into the next phase of their lives”. The commissioner commended Mr. Dawodu for playing a prominent role in transforming the Lagos State Public Advice Center (PAC) where he served as its director before his retirement while describing him as a perfect gentleman. Onigbanjo described the retired director of LETI, Mr. Bajulaiye Adegboyega as a pace setter being the pioneer head of the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch which has been replicated in many states. While also commending him for the training of the State’s Law Enforcement Officers. He urged the retirees  not to  relent whenever their services are required by the State Government while enjoining the staff present at the program to emulate and learn from the exemplary behaviour and dedication of the retirees. In his welcome address,the Acting Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Saheed Quadri represented by the Director of Civil Litigation, Mr. Hammed Oyenuga commended the retirees for leaving an indelible mark noting that they were excellent and meticulous legal  officers. He expressed appreciation to the retirees for their loyalty, commitment, perseverance, dedication and untold sacrifices through the years, while acknowledging their support towards the junior officers in the ministry and wishing them good health as they begin another chapter in their endeavours. The Permanent Secretary, Judicial Service Commission, Mrs Olubukola Salami thanked and rejoiced with both retirees for their excellent service to the State Government and especially  their families for giving them tremendous support throughout their years in the civil service. Delivering his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Kamal Olowoshago prayed for good health and success for the retirees stating that better days lay ahead for them. Other directors  in attendance eulogised the excellent leadership qualities of Messers  Dawodu and  Bajulaiye noting their conduct as exemplary and worthy  of emulation by other staff while also prayed for Gods blessings and guidance in the new chapter of their lives. In their responses, the retirees thanked the Lagos State Government and the ministry for the opportunity to serve, while showing gratitude for the impressive retirement party on their behalf .They expressed their readiness to return the kind gesture of government by making themselves available to serve or assist in whatever capacity whenever they are called upon to do so. The ceremony also had in attendance, lawyers, family members, friends and other members of staff in the ministry.

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    LASG Set to Introduce Compulsory Marital Effectiveness Preparatory Counseling for Intending Couples

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    The Lagos State Government has expressed readiness to introduce compulsory Marital  Effectiveness Preparatory Counseling for intending couples to ensure they are proactively addressed about Domestic and Sexual Violence in Lagos State. This was disclosed on Monday,8th August,2022, during a one-day engagement program of all State Marriage Registrars, organized by The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) in conjunction with the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government , Mrs Kikelomo Sanyaolu who was ably represented the Director Local Government, Mr. Amodu whilst commending the Agency, expressed the willingness and readiness of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs in proactively addressing Domestic violence in Lagos State.   In her opening remarks, The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi noted that at least 60% of survivors of domestic violence who had contracted their marriage under the Matrimonial Causes Act, saw the  abusive signs of their intending spouse but still proceeded with the Union which has therefore become expedient for marriage registrars to provide professional support to intending couples. Erudite facilitators of the program, Mrs. Tinuke Odukoya, Executive Director, Centre for Women’s Health and Information, Mr. Oladele Emmanuel Temilade, Founder, Institute of Marriage Administrators & Counselors of Nigeria and the Founder of Family Life Engineer, Praise Fowowe, took the participants on emerging issues which includes gender and sex roles, understanding Domestic violence, statutory roles of Marriage registries, family system engineering as well as an introduction into the curriculum of the Lagos State Marital effectiveness preparatory Counselling. A participant of the program, Mr. Deji Sokeye, National president of Local Government Registrars of marriage in Nigeria in his vote of thanks, reassured the State of their commitment in embracing the initiative. In attendance was a total of 120 marriage registrars comprising all marriage registrars and their deputies across the State.

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    Lagos Re-Arraigns Oap,Uche Igwe for Sharing Chrisland Student’s Sex Tape

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    Lagos Re- Arraigns Oap,Uche Igwe for Sharing Chrisland Student’s Sex Tape A Magistrate Court sitting in Yaba today  re-arraigned an  On-air Personality, Mr Uche Igwe for allegedly sharing the sex tape video of a Chrisland School student on social media. The defendant was earlier  arraigned in May,2022  by the Nigerian Police on a two count charge of cyberstalking and a breach of peace  and pleaded not guilty. The Directorate of Public Prosecution(DPP) today through its counsel,Omolola Saliu re-arraigned the defendant on a fresh one count charge before Magistrate Olatunbosun. Igwe committed the crime in the Lagos Magisterial District through his social media handle (@uchedark) on or about 18th of April, 2022. Magistrate Olatunbosun stated that the offense is contrary to section 23 (2) of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law 2021. The   trial was  adjourned till 28th of September,2022.

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    Court Sentences Father of 3 To Life Imprisonment

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    A Domestic and Sexual Violence Court sitting in Ikeja on Thursday has sentenced one Micheal Ogbar to life imprisonment for Defilement of Child and Rape. The father of 3 aged 13, 21 and 25 was earlier arraigned before Hon. Justice Abiola Soladoye on the 3rd of December, 2018 for a 1 count charge of the Defilement of a Child, contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 and 2 counts charge of Rape, contrary to section 258 (1) of the criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. The prosecution presented six (6) witnesses to who testified that the defendant had unlawful sexual intercourse with his three daughters. Hon. Justice Abiola Soladoye held that the Prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and thereby convicted and sentenced the defendant accordingly. “The defendant is found guilty as charged as the burden of proof has been discharged and sentenced to life imprisonment on three (3) counts charge which are to run concurrently without the option of a fine”. His name is to be registered in the sexual offenders register maintained by the Lagos State Government.

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    Lagos High Court Sentences Baba Ijesha To 16 Years Imprisonment

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    A State High Court sitting in Ikeja on Thursday, 14th of July has sentenced Olanrewaju James aka Baba Ijesha to 16years imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 14year old girl. Hon. Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the State High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Judicial Division delivered judgement in the case of STATE OF LAGOS VS OLANREWAJU JAMES (A.K.A BABA IJESHA). The defendant was earlier arraigned before the Court on the 24th of June, 2021 on a six (6) count charge of * Sexual assault by penetration (2014) * Indecent treatment of a child * Sexual assault of (2011) * Indecent treatment of a child (2015) * Sexual assault (2015) * Attempted sexual assault by penetration (2021)  The Directorate of Pubic Prosecutions argued that the offences violated Sections 259, 135 and 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 respectively; Sections 135, 263 and 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 respectively.  The Prosecution presented 6 witnesses who testified against the defendant and tendered various evidence to corroborate the testifiers before the Court. The presiding judge, Hon. Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo held that  the prosecution had successfully proven the charge of sexual assault of a minor and indecent treatment of a minor against the defendant.  The judge, however, discharged and acquitted him of count one and six which were sexual assault by penetration (which took place in 2014) and attempted sexual assault by penetration, which took place in 2021). The defendant was found guilty and sentenced to five years imprisonment for count two (2), three years for count three (3), five years for count four (4) and three years for count five (5) taking effect from today, 14th of July, 2022. The sentences are to run concurrently.

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    Court Sentences Boat Captain to Life Imprisonment

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    A State High Court sitting in Eti-Osa on Tuesday has sentenced one Elebiju Happiness to life imprisonment for Manslaughter and six months imprisonment for operating a boat without a license. Elebiju was arraigned before Hon. Justice Josephine Oyefeso on an eleven (11) count charge for captaining a boat that capsized and killed 13 persons while operating in an illegal jetty without license. The defendant committed this crime on the 29th of July, 2020 after loading its passengers from kirikiri heading to Badagry. The prosecution called (5) five witnesses before the court who testified against the defendant. The presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Oyefeso, held that the prosecution has successfully proven the charge against the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt and thereby convicted and sentenced him accordingly.

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    LASG Reaffirms Commitment to the Girl-Child

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    In response to the increasing cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), in partnership with the Ministry of Education have launched a timely intervention called the ‘Queens Club Initiative’. The initiative is to create a sustainable social structure in educational institutions, that will help debunk socio-cultural misconceptions, dismantle patriarchy, encourage gender equality, bring about behavioral as well as attitudinal change and ultimately raise empowered girls. At the induction ceremony of 310 girls into the Queens Club, which took place on 29th of June, 2022 at Ikeja Senior Grammar School Hall, Bolade, Oshodi, the first Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.)  Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu commending the efforts of the DSVA in ensuring attitudinal change in the society while urging members of the newly inaugurated Queens Club to see themselves as ambassadors and change agents. She stated that by virtue of the knowledge they have received, they have become peer educators and would be able to affect the desire change for a better world. The Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Sherifat Folashade Jaji who was ably represented by Mrs. Shonibare, Director, Office of the Secretary to the State Government urged the students to continue to strive for excellence and champion a world free of all forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, noted that over the course of 6 weeks over 300 secondary school students, drawn from 31 schools in Education District 2 & 6 have been exposed to the Queens Club curriculum. At the end of the program, the girls were exposed to modules on Sexual and Reproductive Rights and Health, Femininity, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Anger Management, Grit, Resilience & Tenacity and Transitioning from Girl to Woman. After taking the pledge of allegiance, the students were subsequently inducted into the club and awarded certificates as well as identity cards to validate their induction into the club. In a bid to show gratitude for their sacrifices, selfless service and for a job well done during the course of the six weeks training, the various mentors and facilitators were presented with plaques and certificates. The Queens Club initiative would be replicated across all Education Districts in Lagos State.

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    Lagos DSVA Commences Engagement of Schools In STRAC Initiative.

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    The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has commenced engagement of Primary & Secondary School Students via its “Safeguarding the Rights of a Child”, STRAC initiative in its effort to curtail domestic and sexual abuse in the State on Friday, 17th of June, 2022 at the Education District 1, Agege. Speaking at the workshop, Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs. Lola Vivour-Adeniyi stressed that the STRAC initiative is critical in view of the fact that children have a role to play in their own protection. She stated that STRAC is an interactive workshop to engage children in age appropriate language on their rights, responsibilities, body safety, child abuse, how to avoid being a victim of sexual abuse, self-defence tips, and how to preserve evidence if physically or sexually abused and ultimately, speaking out and reporting abuse. Vivour-Adeniyi noted that this prevention workshop is led by trained peer educators, who have experience in gender relations, socialization, dating violence and sexual violence prevention, which will go a long way in curbing incidents of Child Abuse in the State. Vivour-Adeniyi said the goal is to  empower millions of children in order to ensure that they  are able to prevent the occurrence of domestic and sexual abuse in Lagos State. Asides from verbally engaging students on their rights and responsibilities, the Executive Secretary added that there are provisions of STRAC textbooks prepared by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency to strengthen the reading culture of children, empower them and serve as a preventive tool against all forms of abuse. She expressed satisfaction on the success of the programme as students expressed delight that the programme has empowered them to speak up in any case or form of abuse. She noted that another workshop would be held for about 3500 students from at least 31 primary and secondary schools to enlighten them on Safeguarding the Rights of a child. The workshop had in attendance about 750 Secondary School Students drawn from Mulero Junior Grammar School, State High School Ajewole, Eko Senior College, Lagos Baptist Senior Secondary School and Lagos Baptist Senior College, Abibat Mogaji Millennium Senior Secondary School, Iloro Junior Grammar School, Agege Junior College, Iloro, Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School, Sango Senior Secondary School, Sango Junior Secondary School, District Junior College, Yewa Junior High School and Unity Junior High School.

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    Lagos Hosts Attorneys-General

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    … As Sanwo-Olu applauds the Body of Attorneys-General of States of the Federation Lagos State is currently hosting a 3-days meeting with the Body of Attorneys-General of States of the Federation (BOAGs) which is ongoing at the  Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The meeting is been organized to discuss several critical legal issues bordering on the London/Paris Club loan Refund claim, Value Added Tax (VAT), stamp duty, Amendments to the 1999 Constitution (Amended), among others. The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu in his welcome address applauded the body of Attorneys-General for organizing the meeting to discuss critical issues and proffer solutions for the betterment of the country. “The roles played by Chief Law Officers across the Federation cannot be overemphasized and we also know how important it is to have you all at the helm of affairs in the country”. Governor Sanwo-Olu noted. The governor expressed his delight at hosting the meeting, stating that he will continue to provide support to the BOAGs. In his keynote address, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) stated that there can be no better time for the Chief Law Officers of the 36 States of the Federation to come together to critically look into provisions of the laws and the attendant issues thrown up as they continue the march to nationhood. Akeredolu noted that the 1999 Constitution has been amended twice in which there is another promise of further amendments arising from the manifest irregularities in many provisions, stating that this has compelled many lawyers and educated citizens to insist on having a new constitution which will reflect the agitations of the groups which make up the country He stated that the structure of the federal police has failed while calling on the establishment of state police to maintain law and order due to the current spate of insecurity across the country. The Governor challenged the 36 State Attorney’s General to take a stand on restructuring to curtail the Federal Government’s unbridled quest for more powers. The Attorney General of Lagos State and Interim Chairman of the BOAGs, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), in his address noted that the body was established as part of efforts to form a formidable force to take positions on legal issues, advice the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and take legal action or review legal actions taken on behalf of all the states. “The forum provides a platform for peer learning and deliberation on common issues that affect the collective interest of the member states with a view to finding lasting solutions as this will remain at the core of our convergence and deliberations”. Onigbanjo stated that part of its mandate includes the pursuit of true federalism, adherence to the constitution, rule of law, independence of the judiciary, as well as liaison with the AGF on behalf of the states on legal issues. Other critical legal issues discussed at the meeting includes the State Anti-Corruption Commission established by States, FIRS threat to recovering “unremitted tax deductions by States” and Local Governments, current issues in the legal profession and related matters, pensions and gratuity for Judges, amongst others.

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