Press Releases – Page 10 – Lagos State Ministry of Justice

Lagos Reiterates On Protecting The Rights Of Children

Posted on December 3, 2021

Lagos State Government has further reiterated its bid to prevent and curb the alarming rate of sexual and gender based violence against children in the State. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice ,Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) gave this charge on Tuesday at a webinar organized by the State Directorate of Citizens’ Rights, Ministry of Justice themed “Protecting the Rights of Children, Putting an End to Defilement and other types of Abuse”. Onigbanjo ably represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ms Titilayo Shitta -bey during the welcome address stated that children are the leaders of tomorrow and it is the right of the society to nuture and protect them from vices and abuse of any kind, either physically, emotionally and psychologically. He further revealed that the Directorate for Citizens’ Rights through its statutory functions ensures the protection and enforcement of the fundamental human rights of Lagos State residents stressing that the ‘One Stop Child Justice Centre’ initiative of the directorate handles all child-related matters (in collaboration with other MDAs) in Lagos State , thereby protecting the rights of children as provided under the Child Rights Law of Lagos State, 2015. Onigbanjo said that the seminar will serve as a wakeup call to all stakeholders and the general public on Child Protection laws and invariably curb the menace of abuse,violence, exploitation and neglect of children. . Associate Professor, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, UNILAG, Dr. Iyabode Ogunniran stated that violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violation in the world as it knows no social, economic or national boundaries. Delivering her paper, themed “Defilement: Prevention, Legal Framework and Institutional Mechanism in Lagos State”, she stressed that one in four girls and one in ten boys experience all forms of sexual violence before the age of 18. The professor stated that some of the adverse effects of Sexual Violence includes shock, fear, anxiety, functional impairment, depression, distrust in others, social isolation, behavioral problems amongst others. Speaking further, Dr. Ogunniran said that preventive measures can be taken through collaboration and joint efforts of Community Heads, Religious Organizations, Community Groups and Educational Institutions whereby a code of conduct that prohibits Sexual and Gender Based Violence is adopted. The Director of the Office of Public Defender, Dr. Babajide Martins during his presentation titled “Strategies of the Lagos State Government in Curbing Defilement and Way Forward” stated that likely perpetrators are usually family members, religious leaders, neighbors and rarely strangers. “Lagos State Government has zero tolerance for Gender Based Violence especially when it involves children, hence the legal framework that has been put in place to prevent, curb and prosecute offenders which includes a policy to make it mandatory for everyone who has contact with a child is to report any suspected child abuse or violence against a child through the Attorney General of the State and failure to report has its consequences as they may be subject to civil and criminal liabilities”. Dr Martins said that the section 370 of the ACJL 2021, mandates the State to establish a crime data register also known as the Lagos Criminal Information System. .He said that the register contains information of suspects and offenders either convicted or awaiting trial and would also serve as criminal record database, wherein, organizations and employers in the State may apply to obtain criminal records in order to forestall employing a sex offender into an organization. In addition, he listed the Domestic and Violence Agency (DSVA), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Office of the Public Defender (OPD) and Medical/Health Care Centers as first responders of Sexual and Gender based Violence in the State. The Executive Secretary DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, commended the ‘One Child Justice Centre’ initiative of the Directorate of Citizens Rights. She said that the collated results on the research made on convicted inmates revealed that violent sexual act were mostly perpetrated while under influence of alcohol, hard drugs and online pornography. “80.9 percent of the inmates said they were sexually abused and became sexually active before turning 18”, she revealed Vivor -Adeniyi added that the agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, frequently embark on sensitizing the girl-child including boys, on Sexual and Gender Based Violence programs across the State. Children Human Rights Expert and Social Development Attorney, Mr. Taiwo Akinlami, during the virtual program, stated that children who are sexually abused show sudden changes in behavior or School performance, inappropriately seductive, have sophisticated knowledge or interested in sexual activity , perpetrate sexual activity with another child, particularly a younger or more vulnerable child. “Physical indicators of a child defiled or molested by family members or guardian includes; difficulty walking or sitting, sudden weight change, frequent stomach complaints, headache, sudden refusal to change clothes at the gym or to participate in physical activities, frequent urinary or yeast infections not explained by medical condition or treatment, getting pregnant or contacting a venereal disease”. Akinlami said that indicators for adolescents may include; self-destruction, promiscuity, drug or alcohol abuse, self mutilation or suicide attempts, eating disorder and possibly become a runaway. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Odunsanya, Director of Citizens’ Rights in her closing remarks, appreciated the guest speakers and participants, including the Chief Jugde of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, ably represented by Hon. Justice Oshodi, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Mr. Bolaji Abayomi, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Oluyemi Kalesanwo ably represented by Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olorunfemi, for their attendance and participation. She urged parents, teachers and caregivers to engage their wards in sex education with their wards adding that ignorance is a basic tool that perpetrators use to abuse children, TAIWO ADE-BALOGUN PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER DIRECTOR OF CITIZENS RIGHTS 02/12/21

LASG Sensitizes Stakeholders On Plea Bargain And District Prosecutor’s Scheme.

Posted on October 25, 2021

As part of its efforts in the continuous decongestation of correctional facilities across the State and ensuring quick dispensation of justice, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice through the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Friday held a stakeholder’s meeting to further enhance and promote plea bargain and district prosecutor’s scheme of the State Government. Addressing participants at the meeting which was an hybrid version of both physical and online, the Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo(S.A.N) noted that the meeting presents an opportunity to create more awareness about the Plea Bargain and the District Prosecutors Scheme as well as a platform to receive feedback from stakeholders on how to improve and further strengthen the Plea Bargain and District Prosecutor Scheme. According to the Attorney General, The District Prosecutor Scheme took off in April 2020 following the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Police Prosecutors at the Magistrate Courts, chaired by Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey (former Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice), to set up a review mechanism that will ensure residents are not unnecessarily detained for charges that are civil in nature. “Based on these recommendations, Mr. Governors approval was sought and with the cooperation of the Lagos State Judiciary, the Ministry of Justice deployed District Prosecutor’s to three (3) Magistrates Courts (Ebute-Metta. lkorodu, Ogba) to vet charges prior to filing and ensure case files submitted for remand meet the evidential threshold required by law”. “Seeing the huge impact of this scheme, Lagos State Government extended the services to all Magistrate Court Houses across the State”. Onigbanjo noted. The commissioner also stated that plea bargain has served as an important tool to keep the wheel of justice moving in a timely and cost-effective manner as it has helped decongest the extremely congested correctional facilities in the State as available data reveals that the facilities exceed their capacity by 100% with inmates awaiting trial at 85%. “To demonstrate our commitment towards the exercise, we took plea bargain a step further about four (4) months ago, when i led a team of Lawyers to the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Facility for a Plea Bargain sensitization exercise where more than 15 plea Bargain Agreements were executed onsite and sanctioned immediately by the Judges through Virtual Hearing”. Onigbanjo reiterated the present administration’s commitment to enhancing the administration of criminal justice in the State with the implementation of the use of video conferencing in criminal proceedings, Magistrates visits to Police Stations monthly, Prohibition of media parade of suspects, Remote Hearing, Award of compensation to victims of crime among others. He however sought the continued cooperation and partnership of stakeholders to implement the laudable initiatives. The Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-bey stated in her welcome address that the State Government has done a lot to improve on its administration of justice system with the various innovations designed by the state which has set the pace for other states. According to her , the Plea Bargain has also assisted in the decongestion of prisons and promotion of speedy dispensation of justice in Lagos State which isn’t restricted to particular persons but for everyone irrespective of the person’s status (rich or poor/illiterate or literate), race and tribe. She also stated that the Ministry recently introduced District Prosecutor’s Scheme following the recommendation of a committee set up by the Attorney General and has created district prosecutor offices in magisterial districts in the state to screen and vet charges before cases are filed and assigned to the magistrate courts. The Director Public Prosecution,Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs Adeyinka Adeyemi noted that the essence of the workshop is to eliminate the perceived misconception on plea bargaining hence the need for the sensitisation programme for stakeholders in the legal community as well as the public. She however reiterated that the application for plea bargaining is free while noting that over 500 applications have been reviewed and considered. The State program coordinator of The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) program, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa noted that the body has partnered with the State’s ministry of justice on plea bargain with the training of judges, magistrates and prosecutors and also the development of a plea bargain manual to sensitise lawyers and also judicial correspondents on how to report plea bargain processes and outcomes accurately. She commended Lagos State for being a pacesetter in the administration of criminal justice system while urging other states in the federation to emulate the giant strides achieved by the State. Reiterating the importance of the District Prosecutor’s Scheme, a guest speaker and former Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey stated that the District Prosecutor (DP) duty is to ensure that the Attorney General prosecutorial mandate is properly represented at the district level, and that only cases that satisfy the “reasonable suspicion” clause of the 1999 constitution and the “probable case” provision of the ACJL are allowed to pass through the vetting process and end up before the magistrate for trial or remand. This he noted will reduce the issue of congestion of cases while abuse of prosecutorial power would be checked and matters concerning actual suspects will proceed speedily. In his submission, an Associate Professor of Public law at the University of Lagos, Dr. Akeem Bello stated that one of the strategies to decongest correctional facilities is the periodic review of case dockets to identify problematic cases that may be reconsidered for plea bargaining while noting that the negative public perception about plea bargain need to be addressed through a systematic engagement and enlightenment of the public. Present at the meeting were representatives from the Legal unit of the Nigerian Police Force, lawyers, district prosecutors, law firms, representatives from the correctional facilities in the State, amongst others. ALO GRACE DIRECTOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS MINISTRY OF JUSTICE 22/10/21

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Signs Administration Of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law Of Lagos State,2021

Posted on October 5, 2021

Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on the 30th of September 2021 assented to the Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law [ACJL] of Lagos State, 2021. The ACJL was first passed in Lagos State in 2007 and amended in 2011 (more than ten (10) years ago) to ensure the Fundamental Rights of suspects and persons that come into contact with the justice system, as enshrined in the Constitution are protected. In a bid to further strengthen the justice system, promote the rights of victims and suspects as well as address the issue of delay in the Administration of Criminal Justice in Lagos State, key innovative provisions have been introduced as amendments to the Law. The provisions include conducting criminal proceedings through audio and video conferencing platform, powers of Chief Magistrate to visit Police Stations, prohibition of media parade of suspects, compensation to victims of crime, protective measures for victims and witnesses as well as the Establishment of a Crime Data Register and the Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committee to monitor the implementation of this Law. This further reinforces the commitment of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the promotion of Law & Order, Protection of rights of Citizens, decongestion of our Correctional Facilities and ensure a crime-free society in Lagos State. The Ministry of Justice through collaborative effort with Stakeholders in the Administration of Criminal Justice will ensure the provisions of this law are enforced. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice 5th October 2021

OPD Pays Coutersy Visit to Traffic Radio

Posted on October 1, 2021

The management of the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) has paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos traffic radio. Speaking during the visit, the Director, Office of the Public Defender, Dr. Babajide Martins said the visit was to explore area of cooperation and support the radio station can provide for the agency in the more news report and coverage of OPD activities. According to him, OPD was not oblivious of teeming population of Lagos residents, especially the indigent and vulnerable who are listeners of Traffic radio that need to know more about the agency in order to use its free legal services to the fullest. He further said that OPD counsel are being regularly trained to deliver first class free legal services in line with the current administration philosophy of security and governace for the good people of the state. Receiving the management of OPD, the General Manager of Lagos traffic radio, Mr. Tayo Akanle said the radio station through its services was unique and reliable when it comes to traffic news and this made the station first choice to radio listeners in the state and beyond ” the radio station has become darling of motorists and road users because of reliability of its traffic news, professionalism and timely dissemination of road news to the residents and visitors to the state alike” He assured Office of the Public Defender of the radio station readiness to support its efforts to become more visible in the public space and delivery of statutory responsibility. The visit was in continuation of OPD management efforts to get more media coverage for its activities and enlightenment of the grassroots people in the state. Mamud Hassan Public Affairs Unit OPD, 30th September, 2021.

Lagos Sensitizes Epe, Ibeju Communities On Landgrabbing, Property Protection Law

Posted on September 23, 2021

Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Wednesday, sensitized residents of Epe and Ibeju communities on the nefarious activities of Landgrabbers and the State Property Protection Law. The State Attorney – General and Commissioner for Justice who is also the Chairman Lagos State Special Taskforce on Landgrabbers, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN who spoke at a Stakeholders meeting on Land grabbing held at Jata Hall, Ibeju said the rising cases of Land grabbing is an issue of great concern to the State Government. “As part of the effort to address the issue of land grabbing in the state, the Lagos State Government enacted a law to prohibit forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties, as well as violent and fraudulent conducts in relation to landed properties in the State” Onigbanjo stated. He said resolving land grabbing issues is of great importance to the Sanwo-olu Administration. The Attorney- General who was represented by the Director, Office of the Public Defender , Dr. Babajide Martins stated that the menace of Land grabbers has imparted negatively on the growth of the real estate industry and investment. “It is a fact that property transactions in Lagos State have been greatly hindered by the activities of the Omo-Onile and Ajagungbales Martins said. While delivering a paper on the theme, “ Land grabbers, the Law and your Rights”, Martins, emphasized that the law on land grabbing that was enacted in 2016 still stands regardless of one’s status in the society. He explained some of the provisions of the Lagos State Property Protection Law, 2016 and ln particular, Section 2(1) of the Law, which prohibits the use of force or self-help by anyone to take over any landed property or engaging in any act inconsistent with the proprietary rights of the owner of any landed property in Lagos . Also, the Oba Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, said that Land grabbers for decades have constituted a threat to property acquisition in Lagos, saying that there has been alarming reports of Land grabbing. While acknowledging the State Government efforts at curbing Land grabbing in Lagos, Oba Ogunsanwo noted that the community also has an important role to play in the ‘Greater Lagos initiative’. Ogunsanwo , however, implored the State Government and the Police to ensure immediate prosecution of identified land grabbers and their sponsors to serve as deterrent to other citizens.

Osibajo Meets With Southwest Attorneys -General

Posted on September 23, 2021

The Southwest Attorneys-General (SWAG) met on Tuesday, 21st September 2021 with the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Abuja to exchange views on several issues of national importance and discuss ongoing reforms in their various states. The Vice-President being a former Attorney General of Lagos State is considered by many to be the godfather of modern day justice sector reforms in Nigeria with his unrivaled accomplishments as the Attorney-General of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007. The Vice President during his time as Lagos State Attorney-General introduced a new way of thinking in the areas of access to justice and the administration of criminal justice by trailblazing many of the justice sector reforms still being rolled out today across the Federation. One of the areas the Vice-President asked the Attorneys – General to prioritise is, the issue of delay in the administration of justice in their respective states. He acknowledged their current individual efforts in this regard while enjoining them to work together to deepen the impact of reforms aimed at tackling the challenge of delay in the administration of Justice

LASG Tasks Residents On Peaceful Coexistence

Posted on September 22, 2021

…. As CMC commemorates International Day of Peace. The Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC) has called for peaceful and harmonious coexistence among citizens and residents of the State, stressing that peace is a veritable tool for achieving impactful progress and economic excellence, most especially in a post-pandemic global economy. Making this known on Tuesday, 21st September, 2021 at the International Day of Peace at the Office of the CMC, Ikeja, the Director, Mrs. Biola Oseni, said for any society to achieve meaningful developments, the Government and the people must put machinery in place to maintain peace and orderliness amongst its people. Oseni said, “In this present day, it is globally acknowledged that the world is in dire need of peace in all nations, hence, we all need to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of peaceful coexistence by being Change agents”. According to her, Lagos State recognizes its importance as not just the commercial nerve center of Nigeria but the entire Sub-Saharan African States, therefore, has fostered mechanism that will ensure development and promote economic activities. “The Government is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the constitution al rights of all citizens and residents are protected by sustaining various institutions under the justice sector such as the Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), Office of Public Defender (OPD), Directorate of Citizens’ Right (DCR), and Land Grabbers among others. This is also simply to ensure that the interest of an average citizen, especially indigent and vulnerable in the society are protected”, she noted. While stating that all individuals and stakeholders have a role to play in the way we relate, speak and address issues between and among one another, the Director noted that at CMC, matters that could cause enmity among and between residents are resolved within a minimal time frame of charge for both disputing parties. On his part, the National Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Nigeria, Dr. Oluseyi Soremekun, said the International Day of Peace is an important and strategic day among all the United Nations International Days, as the day intends to wholly celebrate peace throughout the world. Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Recovering Better For An Equitable and Sustainable World” Soremekun said its aptness cannot be overemphasized in the sense that all nations across the globe are just emerging from the adverse effect of the Covid-19 pandemic and are in dire need of peace for prompt recovery in all facets. This year’s celebrations witnessed “a walk for peace” starting from the CMC’s office at Alausa to Ikeja under bridge and Agege Pen Cinema bridge where residents were sensitized on the need to ensure and sustain peace at all times by approaching the Office for amicable resolution of varying societal issues causing disagreements. Popoola Naheem Olaide Public Affairs Officer Citizens’ Mediation Centre

Lagos Records Over 10,000 Cases Of Domestic , Sexual Violence In 3 Years’

Posted on September 2, 2021

Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) has handled 10,007 cases of Domestic and Sexual Violence involving Men, Women and Children from May 2019 to August 2021. The Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) made the disclosure at a Media Parley organised to give account of the performance of DSVRT in commemoration of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month at Alausa, Ikeja. He noted, against the backdrop of rising cases of Domestic and Sexual Violence, incessant Child abuse. Hence the need to continuously prosecute perpetrators in the state. “Between the period, May 2019 to August 2021, 4150 Domestic Violence, 177 Rape, 255 Attempt to commit rape/Sexual Assault, 246 Sexual Assault by penetration/Threat, 877 Others (Separation, Not taking responsibilities of child(ren)Neglect, custody of the child, Non-GBV, 436 Child Abuse/Physical Assault, 271 Defilement cases, 13 Defilement by Minor to Minor , 454 Child Labour, Abduction Neglect/Others, 148 Sexual Harassment/Molestation cases were handled by the state through the Domestic Violence and Sexual Response Team (DSVRT)”, Onigbanjo said. The Commissioner added that, Since May 2019 the DSVRT received about 150 new cases monthly, saying that the state also witnessed an increase in reporting of cases from other States, mostly from Ogun and Oyo State. “In the past 2 years, a total of 526 cases occurred outside Lagos. Such cases are promptly referred to the relevant agencies in their respective States”, He noted Onigbanjo also stated that a total of 2980 children have experienced emotional abuse and have been taken through counseling programs to ensure they fit in back to the society without a negative psychological impact on them. In his words, “ The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team which was conceived in September 2014 is in alignment with the “THEMES” Agenda of Governor Sanwo-olu’s led administration, particularly, the pillars of Health, Education, Security and Good Governance”. “By virtue of the Team’s various initiatives, as well as the zero tolerance declared in the state, DSVRT has continued to see a steady increase of formal reportage of cases in the state”. The Commissioner noted that the notable achievement’s of the Ministry of Justice stems from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) which has secured over 365 convictions for various Sexual offenses, including Rape, Defilement, Sexual Assault by Penetration and Sexual Assault” said Onigbanjo. He added, To ensure that survivors/ victims are able to access care at all levels, the Team partnered with Ford Foundation in building capacity of designated and pilot private hospitals in order to provide sexual assault management services to survivors which is located across the metropolis. Onigbanjo said, the DSVRT Team also partnered with various institutions such as the Office of the Commissioner of Police, the Office of Education Quality Assurance, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, Joint European Union Funded Spotlight Initiative, The King’s Club Project amongst others in a bid to proffer better solutions to curb this menace and promote the awareness of Domestic and Sexual Violence in the state. While speaking on the outlined activities to commemorate the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month, the Chairman DSVRT, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo stated, that the awareness would run for a month with a launch of #TeamAlausaPurpleCampaign, a community engagement with proposed route of Iba/Ipaja in view of the numbers of cases being reported in 2years and also a day set aside for Safeguarding and Child Protection Day while ending the month long program with a Commendation Night.

Lagos Mobile Court Warns Motorists against Violation of Traffic Laws

Posted on August 20, 2021

The Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court has warned recalcitrant 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 Coordinator, Special Offences (Mobile) Court, Mrs. Arinola Ogbara gave the warning on Thursday during a road show to create public awareness and sensitize residents on the importance of obeying the State traffic law . She noted that driving against traffic and plying designated (BRT) Corridors and obstruction of vehicular movement on the highway contravenes the Lagos State Transport Reformed Law, 2018 and is punishable under the law. “All motorists, including private car owners, are hereby warned to henceforth desist from all forms of traffic obstructions, driving against traffic (one-way) and plying BRT corridors,” Ogbara said. “It is disheartening to observe that recalcitrant commercial bus drivers and private car owners are in the habit of disobeying all road signs and signals in contravention of the traffic law thereby causing an impediment to free vehicular traffic across the State.” While highlighting the role of ‘Transportation and Traffic Management’ in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, Ogbara said Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court was created by the State Government to prosecute minor offences especially, those committed by traffic offenders. She stated that “the Mobile Court has deemed it necessary to sensitize members of the public on the State’s Zero tolerance to violation of traffic laws.” The Coordinator, however, enjoined the public to partner with the Lagos State Government towards ensuring the free flow of traffic on Lagos roads and the protection of lives and properties. Kayode Oyekanmi Director, Public Affairs Ministry of Justice 20th August 2021

Lagos Conducts Over 158 Forensic Investigations on Crime, 437 Paternity Related Issues

Posted on August 12, 2021

… Holds Virtual 5th Lagos Forensic Symposium The Lagos State Government has said its Forensic Centre has conducted about 158 crime scenes investigation and also investigated 437 cases involving paternity associated with child support and inheritance. Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) made the disclosure on Tuesday during the virtual 5th Edition of Lagos Forensic Symposium hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre and ITSI – Biosciences LLC, Johnstown, PA USA. While speaking on the importance of Forensic Science, the Commissioner noted that introduction of Forensic Science to Criminal Justice Administration has enhanced police investigations, and facilitated speedy identification and conviction of perpetrators of crime and also helped in the exoneration of innocent persons. “Lagos State Government recognizes the importance of forensic analysis, which led to the establishment of Lagos State DNA & Forensic Center (LSD&FC) to support investigations conducted by the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies,” Onigbanjo noted. He added that “the Center was commissioned in September 2017 while the Lagos State Forensic Biology/DNA unit and the DNA Database and Matching system attained ISO 17025:2017 accreditation in February 2019.” Onigbanjo noted that the violence that erupted during the #EndSARS protest in October 2020 had a negative impact on the DNA and Forensic Centre after it was attacked and the complex extensively damaged by a Mob alongside other public and private properties in Lagos State. He assured Lagosians that rebuilding of the Centre remains a top priority of Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu’s administration. The Attorney-General noted that the 5th Lagos Forensic Symposium will provide up-to-date information on how forensic science is applied in criminal investigations, law enforcement, mass fatalities, sexual assault, wildlife trafficking and other related matters in Lagos State. Onigbanjo added, “the annual Forensic Symposium is targeted at Judges, Magistrates, Lawyers, Law makers, Police Investigators, Forensic pathologist/scientists, Medical practitioners, Emergency responders, students, NGOs and Investigative Journalists. kayode Oyekanmi Director Public Affairs Ministry of Justice 11th August 2021