Lagos State Ministry of Justice

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Federal High Court Declines Requests to Stop Local Government Elections in Lagos

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A Federal High Court Ikoyi has refused requests by 11 political parties to halt the holding of the Chairmen and Councillors election into the 57 Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State. Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko made the decision in a ruling delivered this morning, 23rd July 2021 in Suit No FHC/L/CS/596/2021 which was filed by the Alliance of Social Democrats & 10 Other Political Parties against Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and Lagos State Government. Justice Aluko in the ruling upheld the submissions of the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) on behalf of the Lagos State Government. The Court declined jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit seeking to stop the conduct of the election coming up tomorrow 24th July 2021. In a similar development, the above decision of the Court was also upheld in another matter filed by the Youth Party against LASIEC & Another in Suit No FHC/L/CS/625/2021. The Court not only declined jurisdiction but vacated the Interim Order of Injunction earlier granted in the matter on the 12th July 2021. In view of the above, the elections in to the 57 Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas in the Lagos State will hold on Saturday, 24th July, 2021 as earlier scheduled. Members of the public are therefore advised to peacefully exercise their franchise by ensuring that they come out to vote and abide by the guidelines of LASIEC. Kayode OyekanmiDirector, Public AffairsMinistry of Justice23rd July 2021

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LASG Hands Over New Temporary Court Complex at Osborne to Judiciary

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…to replace burnt Igbosere High court Lagos State Government on Thursday, handed over a new temporary Court complex at Osborne to the Judiciary to replace burnt Igbosere High Court. Recall that Governor Sanwo-olu promised to relocate the Igbosere High Court which was burnt in October 2020 during the EndSARS protest to a property located in Ikoyi. The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN said the Court complex is a temporary relocation while awaiting the rebuilding of the burnt Igbosere High Court Complex into a modern and sofisticated Courthouse. He added that the temporary Court complex consists of 8 Court rooms with equal  number of Judges’ Chambers,  Secretary’s office, Registrar’s office, General office for administrative staff, restrooms on each floor, Canteen, litigants’ room, and an office for the Chief Judge. The Attorney-General noted that the new temporary Court complex is equipped with the latest technology to enhance digital recording of Court proceedings. “In fulfillment of Sanwo-olu’s administration promise on the digitalization of court rooms in Lagos State, the temporary Courthouse is equipped with up-to-date technology,” Onigbanjo said. While handing over the Court complex, the Attorney-General implored the Judiciary to make maximum use of the Court House for the benefit of residents of Lagos State. In receiving the new temporary Court complex, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, appreciated the efforts of Governor Sanwo-Olu for his timely response to the challenge of the burnt Igbosere Courthouse by providing a replacement. He added that this temporary arrangement  will ease the trauma experienced by the Judiciary after the Igbosere High Court got burnt during the EndSars protest in October 2020. “The edifice will be a relief to the Judges whose properties got burnt during the End SARS protest which was quite traumatic because they are used to working and not being idle for a long period of time” Alogba said. The Chief Judge disclosed that Court sittings will be at 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday inorder to ensure the safety of the Judges and residents of Osborne Estate, Ikoyi. He commended agencies of the State government that assisted in the timely completion of the temporary Courthouse project. Noting that with today’s handing over of the Court house, speedy dispensation of justice in the State will be enhanced. Kayode Oyekanmi Director, Public Affairs Ministry of Justice 1st July 2021

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LASG Arraigns Pastor for Alleged Landgrabbing, Forgery

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The Lagos State Government on Friday 25th June 2021, arraigned one Rev. Godwin C. Godwin before a Special Offences Court sitting in Oshodi over alleged forging of documents and illegal sale of a plot of Land at Lekki Scheme1 area of the State. Rev. Godwin C. Godwin, a Pastor at Christ Salvation Divine Ministries International, was arraigned on a six-count charge by the Lagos State Special Taskforce on Landgrabbers. He is alleged to have illegally sold the plot of Land belonging to one Mrs. Halima Abdul – Malik situated at Block 108, Plot 8, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, within Eti -Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State before his arrest on Thursday, June 24th, 2021 and subsequent arraignment. According to the Coordinator, Lagos State Special Taskforce on Landgrabbers, Owolabi Arole, Rev Godwin was arrested following the investigation of a petition against him by the Law Office of Paul Onyeka & Co, Legal Practitioner on behalf of 83year old, ailing Mrs. Halima Abdul Malik. He said, ” The Lagos State Special Taskforce on Landgrabbers arraigned Rev. Godwin on a six- count charge before Chief Magistrate Micheal Olubi on Friday after detailed investigation on the Landgrabbing matter between the two parties “. Among the six -count charge are:  One, Rev. Godwin and others in month of May – June 2021 at Block 108, Plot 8, Lekki  Scheme 1, within Eti -Osa Local Government Area of Lagos conspired to commit felony contrary to section 411 Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.  Two, He resorted to self-help in the recovery of possession and engaged in acts inconsistent with Mrs. Halima Abdul Malik proprietary right contrary section section 2(2) of Lagos State Properties Law 2016.  Three, Rev Godwin is accused of threat of violence in the recovery of possession of landed property belonging to Mrs. Halima Abdul -Malik contrary to section 3 (1) of Lagos State Properties Law 2016.  While in Count four and five, the defendant is accused of illegal sale of land belonging to Mrs. Halima Abdul -Malik and fraudulently converting the sum of Two Hundred and Thirty Million Naira  being proceeds from the sale, to personal use.  Contrary to section 8 (1) Lagos State Properties Law 2016 and section 280 (1b) Lagos State Criminal Justice Law 2015. In count six, the defendant is accused of forcefully entering into landed property and maliciously destroying the gate and fence of the landed property belonging to Mrs. Halima Abdul -Malik. Rev Godwin pleaded not guilty, while his Counsel applied to the court to grant him bail in most liberal terms. The Counsel argued that the offences for which their clients were charged are bailable, and that they were ready to defend the case. The Prosecutor, Mrs Ruqayat Shomade, a State Counsel with Lagos State Special TaskForce on Land Grabbers,  Ministry of Justice did not oppose the bail application but urged the court to impose conditions which would make the defendant available for trial. In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Micheal Olubi granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N25 million Naira with  two sureties who must be resident in Lagos State, and one of the sureties must be a land owner in the State, while the other must be at least a grade level 8 Public Servant or a Manager in a reputable company   The sureties must  also have 3 years tax clearance and registration with Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA). The matter was adjourned to 22nd July, 2021. Kayode Oyekanmi  Director Public Affairs  Ministry of Justice 28th June, 2021

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Lagos Court Sentences Trader to 25 Years Imprisonment for Rape

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A Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sitting in Ikeja, on Friday, 25th June, 2021 sentenced a 43year old trader, Adelaja Oloyede, to 25 years imprisonment for raping a tailor at Ikorodu area of Lagos State. Justice Abiola Soladoye delivered the judgement in suit no ID/8849C/19 between the State of Lagos vs Adelaja Oloyede. The defendant was earlier arraigned on 10th of April, 2019  by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions,  Lagos State Ministry of Justice on a one- count charge of rape. Adelaja Oloyede who pleaded not guilty committed the crime of rape in 2017 at his residence on No. 2, Adelaja Str. Ikorodu, Lagos . The Prosecuting team led by Olusola Soneye, a deputy director in the Directorate of Public Prosecutions said the victim, apart from being raped was sexually harrassed and coaxed to insert some fetish substance into her private part. He added that the victim who was a virgin before the incident pleaded with the defendant during the rape incident, but her plea fell on deaf ears. ” The defendant overpowered her, tore her underwear and raped her. As a result of the rape the victim fell ill and was treated in Kwara State”, Prosecuting Counsel, Olusola noted.  The Prosecuting team presented before the court four Witnesses; the victim, her sister, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and a Medical doctor. The Prosecution also tendered the victim’s blood- stained underwear and a black- tie as exhibits to the Court. According to the victim, the defendant, forcefully had sexual intercourse with her and inserted a fetish substance in her private part afterwards. “I was on my way to church on the day of the incident, Oloyede shook my hands and thereafter I followed him to his house, where he led me into a room where there was numerous fetish items” “He asked me to kneel and he made several incantations” the victim explained. The victim told the court that she reported the crime to the authorities immediately after she left the defendant’s residence. Justice Abiola Soladoye found the defendant guilty of the charge of rape contrary to section 260 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015. She said that the Prosecution team had proved its case against the defendant beyond all reasonable doubts. Consequently, the defendant having been found guilty of the charge of  rape was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by the Court. The Judge further ordered that Oloyede Adelaja should be registered as a Sex Offender in the Lagos State Sex Offender’s Register.

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LASG Free Legal Consultation Exercise puts Smile on the Faces of Badagry Residents

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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, on Thursday,  extended its free legal consultations to the residents of Badagry community as part of a statewide free legal clinic exercise. According to the Deputy Director, Office of the Administrator General and Public Trustee (AG & PT), Mr Femi Alabi, the joint legal clinic is an initiative of the Ministry of Justice to bring qualitative legal consultation and advice  to the people.  He stated that the initiative is in tandem with the “S” in the “THEMES” agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu which aims to ensure security of lives and properties as well as good governance to Lagosians irrespective of social class or status. Mr. Alabi added that the joint legal clinic comprises all legal service oriented directorates and agencies of the ministry which includes; Office of Public Defender (OPD), Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), Public Advice Centre (PAC), Community Service Unit, Office of the Administrator-Generral & Public Trustee (AG&PT), Directorate of Citizens Rights (DCR) and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), with team members of the listed directorates on ground at the auditorium of the Badagry Local Government Secretariat, Ajara, venue of today’s  exercise. The deputy director noted that the free legal clinic had earlier been held in 3 divisions of the  State, namely: Ikorodu Epe and Alimosho. The exercise which aims to provide free and easy  access to legal consultations for the vulnerable members of the society. On his part, the Council Vice Chairman, Mr. Akotomeh Andrew, who represented the Chairman, Badagry Local Government, Hon. Onilude Adeniran, extended his appreciation to both the State Government and the management of the Ministry for not only conceptualising and initiating the exercise but for its bold steps in  taking it the legal clinic to the nooks and crannies of the State. He urged the residents of Badagry to take full advantage of the legal services provided by the Ministry of Justice in order to ensure seamless alternative dispute resolution, easy dispensation of justice,  and peaceful co-existence among the people of Badagry.

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Lagos Solicitor- General Inaugurates MOJ Project Management Team

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The Solicitor -General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey on Tuesday constituted the Project Management Team to manage the execution of Capital Projects  in Lagos State Ministry of Justice. The Project Management Team was inaugurated in line with the Head of Service Circular dated 21st April, 2021 on Establishment and Composition of Project Management Team and in compliance with Section 28 Sub (1) of Lagos State Public Procurement Law 2021. While inaugurating the MOJ Nine- member Project Management Team, the SG/PS noted that the team will be responsible for the overall decision on projects in compliance with business and  ministerial responsibilities and the needs of the Ministry. The Nine- member Project Management Team for the ministry include, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, Director, Administration & Human Resources, Adebimpe Adedipe, Director, Commercial Law, Kehinde Taiwo; Head, Planning ,Iretiola Ajayi,  Director, Procurement,  Abiodun Bisiriyu, Assistant Chief Planning Officer (CMC), Ogunbadejo Bamidele, Assistant Chief Architect, Arc. Abimbola Ashiru (Ministry of Works and Infrastructure), Chief Procurement Officer, Erisan Abosede Olapeju and Assistant  Director Planning Lagos State Judiciary, Oyekanmi Oladele.

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530 Inmates Take Advantage of Plea Bargain In Lagos

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…as LASG takes plea bargain session to Kirikiri 530 inmates in Correctional Centres in Lagos State have so far taken advantage of the Plea Bargain protocol since it was introduced in the State in 2017. The State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney- General, Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, made the disclosure at the Kirikiri Maximum Custodial Centre in Lagos where he led officials of the ministry to a Plea & Sentence Bargain  sensitisation session for Awaiting Trial  Inmates. Onigbanjo said the process which is aimed at decongesting correctional facilities in Lagos State is in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu’s reform initiative in  the administration of criminal justice in the State. The Attorney General explained that the Plea & Sentence Bargain process which is in collaboration with the Lagos State Command of the National Correctional Centre, the State Judiciary and the Lagos State Police Command will assist in efforts geared towards reducing the population of inmates awaiting trials in Correctional facilities in the State. He noted that the Plea Bargain option is aimed at Prison decongestion and not a ploy to compel inmates to plead guilty to lesser Charges. Onigbanjo said the severity of the offence, length of sentences and acceptance or rejection of the offers by the Judge are major determinants in a Plea Bargain process. He stated that 27 inmates in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre – 16 male and 11 females are beneficiaries of Thursday’s Plea Bargain session that will be replicated at the Ikoyi and Badagary Correctional Centres in Lagos State. The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey earlier in her welcome address, explained that the Plea Bargain process is in compliance with the Lagos State Justice Law 2015 and a testament to the State Government’s commitment to a robust  Administration of Criminal  Justice in the State. “We are here to correct the impression, that Plea Bargain is for the rich alone.  It is for everyone whether they are literate or illiterate, rich or poor,” Shitta-Bey said. The Controller of  Lagos State Command, Nigeria Correctional Centre, Adewale Adebisi said,  inmates congestion is the major challenge in all Correctional facilities in the state. According to him; the Centres are struggling to cope with the congestion caused by 6,000 inmates standing trials. He noted that some of the inmates in Kirikiri Maximum and Medium Correctional Centres have been in custody for 10 to 12 years without trial or conviction. He urged inmates who have been standing trial for a long time to consider the Plea Bargain option.

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LASG To Prosecute Employer Who Allegedly Poured Hot Water On Sales Girl

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The Lagos State Government on Wednesday has announced  the immediate prosecution of 50 year old, Mrs Rashidat Adeleke, for allegedly assaulting her 29- year-old sales lady by pouring hot water on her face at Ikotun Area of the State. The Director, Citizens Rights, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Odusanya, said the rescue team stepped into the matter, following a report to the Directorate by the victim Ms. Akinola Bukola. She said, it was gathered that Alhaja Rashidat Adeleke, who owns Super King Mark Supreme Store at No. 35 Ayodele Ogunkoya Street off Governor’s Road, Ikotun area of Lagos, employed the victim as a sales lady in 2019. “She ended up residing with her due to high transportation fare and other stress related issues for the past 18 months before the ugly incident happened.” The Director further noted that, the victim narrated that her employer had the habit of abusing her at the  slighted provocation. While narrating the ugly incident, the victim said two other sales representatives aged 10 and 14, fought at the store which resulted in some damages. “When they got home that fateful evening, Alhaja Adeleke asked the victim how the bangles on sale were damaged by the younger sale girls and she responded that she had no idea what actually happened” Alhaja Adeleke then angrily dragged her into the kitchen, locked her inside and asked the younger sales representatives if there was hot water available and they responded none was available. ” Rashidat Adeleke reportedly boiled water  then poured it on the head of the victim. The victim tried to escape but was prevented by her. She reportedly boiled water the second time, poured it on her and the victim then collapsed. Despite being badly scalded, Alhaja Adeleke went ahead to flog the victim repeatedly. The Director, explained that the employer Rashidat Adeleke has been arrested and transferred to the Gender Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the SCIID, Panti, for prosecution. Taiwo Ade-Balogun  Public Affairs Officer Directorate of Citizens Rights

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LASG Offers Free Legal Consultation to Epe Residents

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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has provided free legal consultations  to the residents of Epe community on Thursday 3rd June 2021, as part of its continuous statewide legal clinic exercise. According to the  Director for Citizens’ Rights, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Odusanya, the Joint Legal Clinic is an initiative of the Ministry of Justice to have a one-stop-shop for free legal consultation and other related matters for residents of Lagos State. She added that the Joint Legal Clinic team, comprising all legal service oriented directorates and agencies in the Ministry, which include: Office of Public Defender (OPD), Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), Public Advice Centre (PAC), Community Service Unit, Office of the Administrator-General & Public Trustee (AG&PT), Directorate of Citizens Rights (DCR) and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) were all represented at the Legal Clinic which held at Epe Local Government Secretariat. Odusanya noted that, the free Legal Clinic is scheduled to hold in all the 5 divisions of Lagos State namely: Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos-Island and Epe, with the aim of reaching and providing easy access to legal consultations and representation for the indigent and vulnerable members of society. Speaking during the exercise, the Director, Office of the Public Defender, Dr. Jide Martins, had also explained  that the Legal Clinic was specifically organised for the people at the grassroots of every community across the State in order to bring  access to justice closer to the people, while sensitizing the residents on their Fundamental Human Rights. He said, “This initiative by the Ministry is in compliance with the THEMES agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu which aims to promote and achieve security and good governance among the residents of Lagos State”. On his part, the Alara of Ilara land, HRM, Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, urged the residents of Epe Land, to take advantage of the services provided by the Lagos State Government  through the Ministry of Justice as this will ensure  social development and peaceful co-existence of people within the Epe Community. While attesting to the efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, at ensuring speedy dispensation of Justice, even as the industrial action by  Judicial staff lingers, he noted that his office,  would  continue to promote among Epe residents, the  option of  resolving conflicts through Mediation, using alternative dispute resolution platforms already provided by the State Government. While expressing his  appreciation  to the state government on behalf of the community, the General Secretary, Oloja in Council, the Odofin of Epe Land, High Chief Olatunde Oluwo, commended the Ministry of Justice for bringing the Legal Clinic to their door steps as it affords them the opportunity of accessing  within Epe community, qualitative legal consultations at no cost to them. Dayo Asanbe & Bola Okedunwon Public Affairs Officers Ministry of Justice 3rd June 2021

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LASG Rescues 11- Year -Old Girl, Assaulted by Father

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The Directorate of Citizens Rights, Lagos State Ministry of Justice has rescued a 11- year-old girl who was allegedly assaulted by her father. The minor was rescued  after a neighbour on a street in Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos reported to the Directorate of Citizens Rights. Director, Citizens Rights, Mrs Oluwatoyin Odusanya, said officials of the Ministry of Justice gathered that the assault on the girl occurred on several occasions before it was formally  reported to the authorities. “The good neighbour stated that the 61 year old man who lost  his wife, the mother of the victim and had remarried, was always in the habit of assaulting the victim and her Sibling”, the Director explained. She noted that the officials of Child Protection Unit, Lagos State ministry of Youth and Social Development has taken the alleged perpetrator to the Police  for further investigations. The Director,  Child  Protection Unit, Mrs. Olubukayo Odukoya, said the victim will be taken to a government facility for a total rehabilitation. Taiwo Ade-Balogun Public Affairs Officer, Directorate of Citizens Rights

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