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Lagos State Ministry of Justice

REJOINDER ON THE CASE OF TEENAGER ALLEGEDLY DETAINED OVER SLIPPERS IN RE: ID/22014C/23

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The attention of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, Lagos State has been drawn to an online reporting alleging that a teenager and adult were kept in custody over allegation of pair of slippers similar to that of the nominal complainant. It is important that the record be set straight to correct the misrepresentation by the report. The defendants were charged with the offence of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery and Armed Robbery contrary to Sections 299 and 297 (2) of the Criminal Law Ch. 17, Vol. 3, Law of Lagos State, 2015. By Information dated 31st May 2023 the case was initially assigned to My Lord, Honourable Justice Coker of the Ikeja High Court before it was re-assigned to Honourable Justice O.H Oshodi of the Ikeja High Court, Lagos in October, 2025 following Justice Coker’s national assignment as trial was yet to commence before Honourable Justice Coker before the case was re-assigned. Thereafter, the defendants’ plea was taken on 13th October, 2025 and matter slated for trial on 10th December, 2025. The witnesses listed as contained in the proof of evidence are; 1) Daniel Lucky Danjuma (Complainant) and two Investigative Police Officers- ASP Dolapo and Inspr. Omozuafo Martins. Despite several calls made to the Complainant to testify in Court, the prosecuting team was unable to secure his attendance as his phone was unreachable. The Prosecution commenced trial with a sole witness Inspr. Omozuafo Martins of the Ikeja division who testified and on 10th December, 2025 stating how the complainants made the arrest of the defendants and brought them to the Police Station. According to the statement of the complainant, himself and his friend on the 27th of November, 2022 boarded a one chance bus and the driver of the bus finally allowed them alight from the vehicle at National Bus-Stop close to Oshodi. The complainant thereafter stated that he was robbed of his phone (Iphone 13 pro max) and his gold chain by some boys who attacked him using cutlass, gun and charm at about 10.30 pm. The next day, the Complainant started visiting the place he was robbed the night before and found one of the men wearing his palm slippers and that was how he knew he was one of his attackers, before taking the 1st and 2nd defendants Ikeja Police Station. When the efforts to secure another witness failed the prosecution closed its case and the defendants through their counsel brought a no case submission. Both the defence and prosecution filed their written address, adopted same and judgment delivered on 29th September, 2026 in favour of the defendants wherein the Court upheld the No – Case Submission and the defendants were discharged. The nominal complainant who identified the defendants as part of the gang that attacked him did not come to court to testify in this case as such the evidence to link the defendants with the crime was unavailable. The failure of complainant to attend Court underscore the importance of the facts that Prosecution cannot manufacture evidence except the general public performs their part by actively being interested in the outcome of criminal infractions reported at the Police Stations. It is therefore not true that the defendants were detained because of pair of slippers but were alleged to have robbed the nominal complainant with dangerous weapons. The prosecutorial authority of the Honourable Attorney General as provided in the Constitution will continue to be exercised in the interest of general public, justice and to prevent abuse. Mr Adebayo HarounDirector of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry Of Justice.2nd October, 2026.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS ATTORNEY-GENERAL PARTICIPATES IN 4TH EHINGBETI MARITIME HUB SUMMIT

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The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, participated as a panellist at the 4th Ehingbeti Maritime Hub Summit held recently at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Attorney General was represented at the summit by his Senior Special Assistant, Mr. Olamide Ibrahim, who participated as a Panelist at the panel session of the event. The summit brought together government representatives, maritime professionals, legal practitioners, security agencies, private-sector operators and other stakeholders to discuss the development of Nigeria’s blue economy and the challenges confronting coastal communities. Discussions at the summit focused on coastal resilience, maritime security, inland waterways, investment opportunities and the need for effective legal and institutional frameworks to support sustainable development of the sector. A key outcome of the summit was the call for a dedicated Coastal Resilience Fund to support coastal protection, resilient infrastructure and community development. The summit also featured the launch of the 28 Inland Waterways Investment Jigsaw, an initiative aimed at identifying investment opportunities across Nigeria’s inland waterways and encouraging greater private-sector participation. The Ehingbeti Maritime Hub Summit is part of efforts to reconnect Lagos with its maritime heritage while promoting investment and sustainable development within the state’s maritime and coastal economy.

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PRESS STATEMENT: UNDERSTANDING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE MAGISTRATES LAW OF LAGOS STATE

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My attention has been drawn to the controversy surrounding the proposed amendment to the Magistrates Law of Lagos State, currently pending before the Lagos State House of Assembly, which seeks to increase the retirement age of Magistrates and Law Officers. In view of the controversy generated by the proposed amendment, it has become necessary for this Office to clarify the facts and set the record straight. For the avoidance of doubt, the proposed amendment is not an Executive Bill and is not sponsored by the Office of the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. It is a Private Member’s Bill which, having been considered to have reasonable justification in the best interest of the State, particularly in strengthening and sustaining the justice sector, is presently before the House of Assembly for legislative consideration. The position of this Office on the issue is premised on the long-standing policy of harmonization of the conditions of service of Law Officers in Lagos State with those of Magistrates in the State, a policy which has been implemented in Lagos State since 1997 pursuant to a Government Circular dated 20 March 1997. The policy of harmonization of the conditions of service of Law Officers with those of Magistrates in a Stateis not peculiar to Lagos State. Other States of the Federation have enacted legislation to give effect to similar arrangements. These include Abia State, which enacted the Law Officers Harmonization with Magistrates Law, 2008, providing for the salaries and conditions of service of Law Officers to correspond with those of Magistrates in equivalent posts. Other States mentioned in this regard include Kogi, Benue, Imo and Kwara States. Whether the proposed amendment in Lagos State is ultimately effected through a single piece of legislation or through separate legislation applicable to Magistrates and Law Officers, it should be welcomed and supported by well-meaning Lagosians who desire a highly competent justice sector that continues to serve as a pace-setter in the administration of justice in Nigeria. This Office therefore considers the proposed legislative intervention as consistent with the established policy of harmonisation and as capable of contributing to the strengthening, stability and continued development of the justice sector in Lagos State.The proposal concerns Law Officers as a specialised professional cadre performing functions integral to the administration of justice, and not lawyers generally.Therefore, the proposed amendment can be characterised as the continuation of an existing policy, rather than the creation of a new privilege for Law Officers. In fact Osun State Government has gone ahead by its Law No.7 of 2023 assented to on 15th December 2023 to increase the retirement age of officers involved in the administration of Justice in the State including State Counsel and Court Registrars to 65year in a single legislation. It is therefore important that the public discourse on the Bill should not be guided by emotion or sentiment but by facts and proper understanding of its rationale, legislative origin, purpose and policy context. For the record the proposed amendment to the Magistrates Law to increase retirement age is necessitated by an unintended institutional consequence arising from the constitution amendment in section 291(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as altered by the Fifth Alteration (No. 37) Act 2023 which increased the retirement age of High Court Judges from 65 to 70 years in 2023. Prior to the constitutional amendment, High Court Judges were required to retire at the age of 65 years. This created a predictable and regular pattern of vacancies on the High Court Bench, which enabled the judicial system to benefit from the progression of experienced Chief Magistrates and senior Law Officers who possessed the requisite qualifications, competence and years of service for appointment as High Court Judges. The extension of the retirement age of High Court Judges to 70 years, while undoubtedly serving the legitimate objective of retaining experienced judicial officers and preserving institutional knowledge, has had a consequential effect on the career progression structure within the lower judiciary and the Ministry of Justice. The number of vacancies occurring on the High Court Bench has correspondingly diminished, thereby narrowing the traditional pathway through which experienced Chief Magistrates and senior Law Officers could progress to the High Court. The consequence is that Chief Magistrates and senior Law Officers who have attained considerable professional experience and institutional expertise may now be required to retire at 60 years, notwithstanding that they would, under the previous judicial career structure, have had a realistic opportunity for elevation to the High Court Bench. This creates an imbalance in the career structure of the justice sector and risks the premature loss of experienced personnel whose knowledge and expertise remain valuable to the administration of justice. The proposed amendment is therefore intended to correct this unintended disparity and establish a more coherent and sustainable career structure within the justice system. It seeks to ensure that the extension of the retirement age for High Court Judges does not, as a collateral consequence, result in the premature exit of experienced Chief Magistrates and senior Law Officers who continue to possess the capacity to make significant contributions to the administration of justice. The proposed reform is also justified by the need to preserve institutional knowledge, strengthen continuity in the administration of justice and derive maximum value from the substantial investment made by the State in the training and professional development of its judicial and legal officers. Importantly, the proposed amendment should not be viewed merely as an extension of the period of service of individual officers. Rather, it is a structural response to a changed judicial environment occasioned by the constitutional extension of the retirement age of High Court Judges. The objective is to maintain an equitable relationship between the various levels of the justice system and to prevent a situation in which the extension of service at the higher level inadvertently results in the stagnation or premature termination of careers at the lower and intermediate levels. The reform will also enhance institutional stability by ensuring that the State retains experienced officers

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS AG RECEIVES LCIA, TEMPLARS DELEGATION; SEEKS STRONGER COLLABORATION ON ARBITRATION

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The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, on Wednesday, received a delegation from the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) and leading law firm, Templars, during a courtesy visit to his office at the Secretariat, Alausa Ikeja. The engagement formed part of the LCIA’s strategic stakeholder engagements in Nigeria, aimed at strengthening international commercial arbitration and promoting Lagos as a leading hub for arbitration and dispute resolution. In his remarks, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, welcomed the delegation and expressed the Ministry’s readiness to explore areas of collaboration that would further strengthen the State’s arbitration and dispute resolution framework. He noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s foremost commercial centre, had a significant role to play in creating an enabling environment for the growth of international commercial arbitration. Mr. Pedro, SAN, emphasized the importance of continuous professional development and knowledge-sharing among legal practitioners, particularly State Counsel, noting that greater exposure to international arbitration would enhance their capacity to effectively handle complex commercial disputes. Speaking on the purpose of the visit, the Director General of the LCIA, Mr. Kevin Nash, said the organisation was interested in developing stronger collaboration with lawyers in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. He noted that the partnership would create opportunities for State Counsel to gain greater exposure to international arbitration through professional engagement, training and knowledge exchange. Mr. Nash also encouraged lawyers to embrace arbitration as an increasingly important component of legal practice, noting that practitioners should not shy away from the field because of its specialised nature. He stressed the need for lawyers to build their capacity in arbitration and take advantage of opportunities to develop expertise in the area. The discussions also explored practical areas of collaboration, with Directors of the Ministry’s core departments highlighting the importance of specialized training, professional development and knowledge exchange. Reference was also made to possible exchange programmes to give selected State Counsel practical exposure to international arbitration and global best practices. In his vote of thanks, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, appreciated the LCIA and Templars delegations for the visit and expressed optimism that the engagement would lead to meaningful collaboration, particularly in strengthening the capacity development of State Counsel and advancing arbitration practice in Lagos. The LCIA delegation was led by Mr. Kevin Nash and including Ms. Nania Owusu-Ankomah, Vice President of the LCIA Court and President of the African Users’ Council, and Mr. Jide Adesokan, Member of the African Users’ Council and Partner at Stephenson Harwood LLP, London. The Templars delegation, also led by Mr. Olufemi Oyewole, SAN, Partner, alongside Mr. Orji Uka, Managing Counsel, and Mr. Nosa Iyamu, Senior Associate.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS MINISTRY OF JUSTICE RECEIVES AIR FORCE PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS ON EDUCATIONAL EXCURSION.

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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through its Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), on Tuesday received Primary VI pupils of Air Force Primary School, Ikeja, on an educational excursion held at the Ministry’s Conference Room at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja. In his welcome address, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Adebayo Haroun, commended the initiative behind the visit, describing it as an important opportunity to expose young minds to the workings of government institutions and the justice sector. He expressed the Ministry’s delight at receiving the pupils and encouraged them to make the most of the experience by learning as much as possible about the administration of justice and the role of the Ministry in promoting the rule of law. A presentation was subsequently delivered by the Deputy Director, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Babajide Boye, who gave an overview of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and its critical role in the administration of criminal justice. He also highlighted the responsibilities of the various directorates that collectively drive the Ministry’s mandate of ensuring effective justice delivery in Lagos State. Speaking on behalf of the school, the Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Mr. Joseph Folorunsho, expressed profound appreciation to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice for the warm reception accorded the pupils and the opportunity given to them to learn about the justice system. He noted that the visit had broadened the pupils’ understanding of the important role the Ministry plays in society and expressed confidence that the experience would inspire them to become responsible citizens and aspire to careers in public service and the legal profession. In her closing remarks, the Director of the Restorative Justice Centre, Ms. Yetunde Ajayi, expressed appreciation to the pupils and their teachers for choosing the Lagos State Ministry of Justice as part of their educational tour. She encouraged the pupils to remain focused on their education, be law-abiding citizens, and uphold the values of integrity, responsibility, and respect for the rule of law.

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PRESS RELEASE – LAGOS SEEKS STAKEHOLDERS SUPPORT TO ADVANCE COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHEME

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The Lagos State Government has called for increased stakeholder support to advance the Community Service Scheme and strengthen the implementation of non-custodial sentencing and restorative justice in the State. To stimulate this objective, the Ministry of Justice ,Community Service Unit on Tuesday convened a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Programme at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja to collaborate,promote, support and advance the community service Scheme in the State. Speaking at the event,The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, and the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, ably represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Adebayo Haroun, emphasized that modern criminal justice systems must balance punishment with rehabilitation and reintegration. He noted that the Community Service Scheme has become an important non-custodial sentencing option in Lagos State, providing offenders with opportunities for behavioural reform while contributing positively to society. Haroun explained that the Community Service Unit plays a central role in implementing the Scheme by assessing offenders, assigning them to approved placements, monitoring compliance, and reporting outcomes to the courts. According to him, the Scheme has contributed significantly to prison decongestion, reduced the cost of short-term incarceration, and enabled many offenders to acquire discipline and maintain social stability while serving their sentences. The DPP stressed that the effectiveness of community service sentencing depends on robust institutional support, effective supervision, and active participation from both public and private sector stakeholders. He also called on relevant stakeholders to support offender rehabilitation through mentorship, vocational training, skills acquisition programmes, and approved placement opportunities. Haroun urged them to embrace the Community Service Scheme as a means of rehabilitating offenders, reducing recidivism and promoting safer communities, describing it as a collective effort towards a more restorative justice system. A major highlight of the programme was the presentation of testimonies by beneficiaries of the Community Service Scheme, who shared personal accounts of how the initiative contributed to their behavioural reform, skill acquisition, and successful reintegration into society. They expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for providing them with a second chance to rebuild their lives. While delivering the vote of thanks, the Director of the Community Service Unit, Mrs. Tomi Bodude, expressed appreciation to all participants and stakeholders for their contributions, noting that the engagements and insights shared during the event would strengthen collaboration, promote offender rehabilitation and reintegration, and further enhance community-based corrections in Lagos State. The Communiqué issued at the close of the programme emphasized the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, increased stakeholder participation, sustained public sensitization on non-custodial measures, including the mobilization of resources necessary to enhance the effectiveness, reach and impact of the Community Service Scheme across Lagos State.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS ADVANCES JUSTICE SECTOR REFORMS WITH LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN ACCESS TO JUSTICE, ININNOVATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY

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…Ministry Deepens Transformation Through New Infrastructure, Digital Innovation, Staff Welfare and Access to Justice Initiatives The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has recorded significant milestones in justice sector reforms, infrastructure development, criminal justice administration, citizens’ rights protection, and institutional strengthening as part of activities marking the Third Year of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s Second term in office. Speaking at the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Baguda Kaltho Press Centre on the 21st of May, 2026; the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, highlighted the Ministry’s achievements across various directorates, agencies, and specialised institutions, describing the justice sector as a critical driver of economic growth, public safety, investment protection, and social stability. According to the Attorney-General, the Ministry has continued to pursue reforms aimed at building a justice system that is efficient, accessible, technology-driven, investment-friendly, and people-centred. A major milestone recorded during the review period was the commissioning of key justice infrastructure projects, including the Nigerian Police Area Command “M” Headquarters at Idimu, the new Commercial Court at Tapa, Lagos Island, and the successful renovation of the J.I.C. Taylor Courthouse destroyed during the End SARS protests. The renovated courthouse now accommodates 24 courtrooms serving both High Courts and Magistrate Courts. The State Government also commissioned newly acquired official quarters comprising 34 three-bedroom flats for Magistrates and State Counsel in Ketu, with 10 units allocated to legal officers in the Ministry, the first initiative of its kind in Lagos State. In strengthening judicial administration, the Ministry completed the Deputy Sheriff Warehouse at Majidun, Ikorodu to ensure secure management of court exhibits and attached properties, while construction works also progressed substantially on the Magistrate Court Complexes at Randle Road, Apapa, Ebute-Metta, and the Combined High Court and Magistrate Court Complex at Igando. The Ministry further disclosed that the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS), one of the State’s flagship digital justice initiatives, recorded 35,461 criminal cases within the last three years, bringing the all-time total on the platform to 84,297 criminal cases as at May 2026. The database now captures information on criminal matters across Magistrate and High Courts, including defendants granted bail, inmates in custody, ongoing trials, convictions, and related biometric records. In the area of law and order, Pedro stated that the Ministry secured a landmark judgment regulating public protests in Lagos State, restricting protests to designated locations while safeguarding the rights of other citizens and protecting public infrastructure from destruction. On property protection, the Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers received 1,628 petitions between May 2023 and April 2026, successfully concluded 221 petitions, carried out 146 inscription exercises, restored several property owners to lawful possession, and prosecuted over 25 persons for land grabbing offences across the State. The Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) handled over 20,000 cases relating to domestic violence, rape, defilement, emotional abuse, cyberbullying, and sexual harassment during the review period. The Agency also inducted over 3,000 students into the Kings and Queens Club, reintroduced the 6820# USSD support platform, launched the “Ask INU” AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot, and retained Lagos State’s position as the leading State in Nigeria in the prevention and response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence for the third consecutive year. Similarly, the Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court adjudicated 58,342 environmental and traffic-related cases between 2023 and 2026, while generating ₦155.3 Million in revenue during the period under review. The Ministry also reported that the Directorate for Citizens’ Rights received 7,993 petitions, resolved 5,759 cases, and saved the State over ₦12 Billion through successful defence and dismissal of fundamental rights enforcement actions against the State Government. The Citizens’ Mediation Bureau (CMB) continued to strengthen Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms by receiving 117,575 cases and successfully resolving 49,854 disputes across its 16 sub-offices statewide. The Bureau also recovered ₦1.49 Billion on behalf of disputing parties through mediation interventions. In advancing access to justice for vulnerable persons, the Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD) received 27,457 petitions, handled 42,050 court cases, secured 1,759 judgments, and recovered over ₦301.5 Million on behalf of indigent clients. The Bureau also rescued 262 vulnerable children and represented 2,575 children in conflict with the law. The Lagos State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking was also revitalized, leading to the inauguration of 114 Local Government Focal Persons and Neighbourhood Safety Officers, while the State hosted the first Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking involving participants from over 18 countries. On legislative reforms, the Ministry processed several landmark Bills and Executive Orders aimed at modernising governance and improving justice delivery. These include the Administration of Civil Justice Bill, proposed amendment to the Tenancy Law, Restorative Justice Bill, Protection Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Bill, and the Lagos State Parking Authority Bill. The Ministry further secured assent to several strategic laws including the Lagos State Electricity Law, Victim Assistance and Witness Protection Law, Human Organ Harvest and Tissue Transplantation Law, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, and the Lagos State Government Staff Housing Board Law. The Directorate of Public Prosecutions issued 2,342 legal advices, approved 687 plea bargain applications, filed 1,485 criminal informations, and secured 391 judgments during the period under review. The Directorate also handled several high-profile criminal matters, including the successful conviction of BRT driver Andrew Nice Ominikoron for the murder of Oluwabamise Ayanwola. The Directorate of Civil Litigation also recorded major legal victories, saving Lagos State over ₦96.6 Billion in potential liabilities through successful defence of high-value claims instituted against the Government. Similarly, the Directorate of Commercial Law generated ₦5.56 Billion in revenue for the State while supporting strategic infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership projects, including the Lagos Bus Reform Initiative, waterfront developments, renewable energy projects, and power generation agreements projected to increase electricity supply by approximately 400 megawatts within three years. Another major institutional milestone recorded during this period, was the successful creation of two additional Permanent Secretary positions within the Ministry, a First in its history. This followed the upgrade of key agencies under the Ministry into full-fledged Bureaus, a strategic reform aimed at addressing the long standing

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PRESS RELEASE : LAGOS MOJ ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ADEBAYO HAROUN AS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS.

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………Appoints Ajayi Yetunde as Director, Restorative Justice Centre. The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has announced the appointment of Mr. Adebayo Haroun as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the administration of criminal justice in the State. The appointment, conveyed through an official memo from the Office of the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, reflects the Ministry’s strategic focus on enhancing prosecutorial efficiency, upholding the rule of law, and advancing justice sector reforms. Mr. Haroun, a Director (State Counsel) and seasoned legal practitioner and public prosecutor, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN. He has also served the Ministry in various capacities and possesses extensive experience in criminal litigation, case management, and legal advisory services.Mr. Haroun is expected to provide strong leadership in the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and further improve the quality and timeliness of criminal justice delivery in Lagos State. In the same vein, Miss Ajayi Yetunde has been appointed as Director, Restorative Justice Centre, Lagos State Ministry of Justice. Miss Ajayi’s appointment underscores the Ministry’s continued emphasis on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and restorative justice initiatives aimed at promoting reconciliation and reducing case backlog within the justice system. These appointments highlight the Ministry’s resolve to strengthen institutional leadership, improve service delivery, and sustain ongoing reforms across its various directorates and units. The appointments take immediate effect.

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PRESS RELEASE: THE REINTRODUCTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION EXERCISE IN LAGOS STATE-WITH FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT PRESERVED

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The narration in the media on the Court of Appeal Ruling in respect of the case on environmental sanitation in Lagos is not correct. In fact the subsisting Court of Appeal judgment in CA/L/381/2015 delivered on 23rd November 2021, is in favour of State Government. The Court held that the environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos State was valid and backed by law and that the fundamental right of the Applicant Mr.Ebun Adegboruwa (now an SAN) was not breached. It was Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa who was dissatisfied with the judgment that appealed to the Supreme Court. This was a case i personally prosecuted. The Supreme Court is yet to set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal and Unless there is a subsequent court of Appeal judgement which i am not aware of that restrained the conduct of environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos State, it will not be unlawful to have a controlled movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. The November 201C, judgment of the Court of Appeal, of the same Lagos Division, in the FAITH OKAFOR vs. LAGOS STATEGOVERNMENT & ANOR, cannot be regarded as the extant position of the law and can be said to have been superceded by the current 2021 judgment of the same court. Therefore if Lagos State government choose to restrict movement during the period of environmental sanitation exercise it will not be in contravention of a subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal. However what the government introduced is a controlled movement of residents during the period of environmental sanitation exercise without affecting the fundamental rights of movement and residents are free to go to anywhere they wish through roads and streets that are not blocked. In other words street where cleaning are on going may be blocked to protect people and officials involved in the cleaning exercise from motorists Lawal Pedro, SANHon Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice25th April,2026

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REJOINDER OF THE HONOURABLE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF LAGOS STATE TO ARTICLE BY OLUSEGUN ADENIYI ON “IS LAGOS STATE SHIELDING KILLERS”.

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The attention of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has been drawn to a publication titled “Is Lagos State Shielding Killers?” by Olusegun Adeniyi and published by THISDAYLIVE of 23rd April, 2025 which has now gain traction on social media. The publication references the incident of 27th August 2025 at Owode Onirin involving Inspector Manu Bala & 4 Others and where 6 traders lost their lives. The Ministry considers it necessary to correct the serious misrepresentations and unfounded insinuations contained in the publication. At the outset, the insinuation that Lagos State may be shielding Suspects connected with the unfortunate incident is entirely false, misleading, and unsupported by facts contained in the Police case file presented to the Ministry of Justice for Legal Advice. It must be observed that when violent crimes such as Owode Onirin killing are not properly investigated by the Police and no prima facie is made out against Suspects arrested they are entitled to the benefit of doubt and to be released. In the OWODE ONIRIN KILLING – Lagos Police Command has not helped the cause of justice in the matter. We hereby set the record straight. i. Following the incident of 27th August 2025 in Owode Onirin, the Nigerian PoliceForce, Lagos Command conducted investigation into the matter and subsequently forwarded the case file to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice for review and legal advice, in line with established prosecutorial procedures as sanctioned by Section 74 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, Lagos State. ii. The Ministry undertook a thorough review of all materials in the case file, includingwitness statements, statements of the suspects and other documentary evidence and came to the conclusion that there was no evidence that linked the Suspects arrested to the alleged crime. For instance, there was no statement of an eye witness in the case file to confirm that it was the Policemen that shot the deceased persons despite the fact that the incident was said to have taken place in a market. Contrary to the insinuation against the Ministry, the evidence in the case file revealed that it was the traders that attacked the Police Officers as they got to the land in dispute, dispossessed one of them Inspector Jibrin of his service rifle which a trader began to shoot. The Police Inspector was assaulted and had to be rescued by other Policemen who rushed him to nearby hospital to safe his life and for treatment of his injuries. The evidence in the Police case file also revealed that the only civilian Suspect arrested was not at the scene of the crime and his Alibi was confirmed by the police investigators. iii. In view of the sensitive nature of the matter the Ministry of Justice restrained itself from issuing a Legal Advice of no case to answer, rather a letter was written to the Police Authority on the 30th October, 2025 to conduct further investigation and provide evidence in the following areas; a. Post mortem reports of the deceased persons (Adeoye Taiwo, Akinloye Seyi, Wale Adebayo, Abraham Idowu, Dare Mufutau Salaudeen and Adeoye Akeem Aderemi)b. Ballistics Report of bullets extracted from deceased personsc. Examination report of the rifles of the officers; that is:– Insp. Manu Bala – AK47 Breech No. T22022– Insp. Ahmed Abass – AK47 Breech No. P21266– Cpl. Ibrahim Kasimu – AK47 Breech No. AG1600– Cpl. Ibrahim Garba – AK47 Breech No. ACC 2537– Rifle assigned to Insp. Jibrin iv. Meanwhile the Suspects remained in custody and their bail applications wererejected. Therefore, when after 45 days the Police Authority failed or neglected to furnish the Ministry with the outcome of its further investigation or evidence to link the Suspects to the crime, a reminder letter dated 17th December, 2025 was forwarded to the Police Authority. v. It was about 6 months after the incarceration of the Suspects and the Ministry didnot receive any response from the Police Authority on further investigation as requested that the Ministry issued Legal Advice LJP/HOM/2025/125/20 to the dated 3rd March, 2026 based on available facts contained in the duplicate case file to the effect that no prima facie case has been disclosed against the Suspects for the offence of Conspiracy to commit a felony or Involuntary Manslaughter contrary to Sections 411 and 224 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17 Vol. 3 Laws of Lagos State, 2011 and any charge against them be withdrawn. However, in concluding the Legal Advice it was clearly stated that the duplicate case file is retained and in the event that any evidence is discovered linking any of the Suspects to the crime, the Ministry shall not hesitate to prosecute the Suspects as there is no time bar for criminal prosecution. vi. It was after the Legal Advice was issued and served that the Police Authoritydeemed it fit to forward provisional Post Mortem Reports and Ballistic Reports to the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Ministry. The documents are being reviewed to enable the office issue comprehensive Supplementary Legal Advice devoid of emotions and sentiments. The decision not to prosecute, where evidence is insufficient, is not an act of protection—it is a constitutional and ethical obligation imposed on the Attorney-General to prevent wrongful prosecution and to uphold the integrity of the justice system. vii. Justice is not a One-Way but a Three Way Traffic –justice to the victim, justice tothe suspect and justice to the public. May we not see the day when a Justice Department will act on assumptions, suspicion, emotion or bias of the Police and not Prima Facie evidence to approve or commence prosecution of any suspect in this State or any State in Nigeria. Lagos State remains resolve in ensuring that justice is served in all cases and to all parties involved, without fear or favour. CONCLUSIONIn the light of the above, the Ministry is curious of the purpose and intent of the Police narratives to the Press on this matter. We believe that misrepresentation, misinformation and suppression of material facts in this

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