Lagos State Ministry of Justice

Lagos Auctions 83 Forfeited Vehicles For Violation Of State Transport Law

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LAGOS AUCTIONS 83 FORFEITED VEHICLES FOR VIOLATION OF STATE TRANSPORT LAW The Lagos State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the State TaskForce on Environmental and Special Offences on Monday, 8th February 2021, supervised the public auction of 83 forfeited vehicles on the orders of the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court for the violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018.The auctioned vehicles were earlier impounded in different areas of the State. The auction which held at the premises of the State Taskforce in Alausa, Ikeja in accordance with the forfeiture order of the Court, had the Chairman of the State Taskforce, the Coordinator of the State Special Offences Mobile Court, and representatives of the Ministry of Justice present at the well organised and transparent public auction, attended by a large number of residents. Speaking to Journalists during the Auction, the Coordinator, Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court, Mrs Arinola Ogbara said, “there is a lot of processes and transparency to the public auction. Moreso, some of the people whose cars were seized have been told to pay a fine without their cars being forfeited based on the strength of evidence they presented at the Mobile Court. Driving against traffic (one way) has caused a huge number of accidents and untold losses to property and human lives.”According to her, observers have agreed that it is necessary to sanitise the state of reckless drivers who break the law with impunity. On his part, the Chairman of the State Taskforce, CSP Shola Jejeloye, while speaking with news men said the auction exercise was not meant to punish but to correct..“I do not see what we have come to do today as an auction but as a correction and detterent for some Lagosians. The Lagos Commissioner of Police has instructed us to go out there as policemen and do our best to ensure free flow of traffic” he said. The auction exercise was conducted by a licensed Auctioneer, Mr Ade Onanuga, of CR Limited Auction House. Kayode OyekanmiDirector, Public AffairsMinistry of Justice8th February 2021

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Lagos Court Sentences Two Men to Death For Armed Robbery

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A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on Monday sentenced two persons, Moshood Ogunshola and Wasiu Lekan to death for armed robbery in Lagos. Justice S. S Ogunsanya delivered the judgement in charge No.ID/359C/13 between Lagos State vs Moshood Ogunshola and Wasiu Lekan. The defendants, who pleaded guilty, conspired and robbed one Wasiu Rasaki of his Motorcycle at Ile Eja, Ikotun while armed with a machete. The robbers were arrested by the Police and arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit robbery and armed robbery which contravenes the Criminal Justice Act of Lagos State. The Prosecuting Counsel, Adebayo Haroun, urged the Court to sentence the defendants accordingly having found them guilty of the charges against them. The Trial Judge, Hon. Justice Ogunsanya  found the two persons guilty of the charges, which is punishable under section 261 and 297 of the Criminal Justice Law CH. C.17 Vol. 13 of Lagos State 2015. “You are hereby sentenced to death on the counts of conspiracy to commit Robbery and Armed Robbery ” Justice Ogunsanya ruled. Kayode Oyekanmi Director, Public Affairs 4th January, 2021.

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Federal Court Affirms Lagos Motorcycle, Tricycle Restriction.

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The Federal High Court, Ikoyi on Wednesday 3rd February 2021 affirmed the position of Lagos State Government restricting the use of Motorcycles, Tricycles as  means of transportation within 6 Local Government  Area and 9 Local Council Development Areas in the State. Justice Liman delivered a judgement in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/173/2020 between Olukoya Ogungbeje V Lagos State Government  & 7 Ors. It will be recalled that the  Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, was in Court on Tuesday 2nd February to argue the originating summons which upheld the Executive Order as signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The Court in its judgment assumed jurisdiction in the case on the premise that both the Federal High Court and State High Court exercise concurrent jurisdiction over Fundamental Human Right cases. The Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice Liman held that the applicant who admitted being a Car owner and not a Motorcycle or Tricycle operator cannot complain of his right in any form being infringed upon. Justice Liman, dismissed the originating summons of the applicant for lacking merit. He said, the applicant failed to place material facts to support his deposition as well as provide evidence for the alleged death of a person at Iyana Ipaja. “The restriction of Motorcycles, Tricycles within 6 Local Government  Area and 9 Local Council Development Area in the State is not an infringement of Fundamental Human Rights”, Justice Liman ruled. Kayode Oyekanmi Director,. Public Affairs 3rd February, 2021.

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Lagos court Sentences man To 25 Years Imprisonment for Defilement

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Lagos State Sexual Offences Court, Ikeja on Thursday, sentenced one Nura Asumoge to 25 years imprisonment for defilement of a 13-year old minor in Lagos. The defendant was earlier arraigned by the Lagos State Government on a one-count charge in 2018. Nura Asumoge, who plead guilty to the charge, was said to have sent the unsuspecting underaged victim on an errand on 3rd April 2018, on her return, the defendant forcefully had sexual intercourse with the victim and threatened her from informing anyone. The Prosecuting Counsel, Mrs. Arinola Momoh-Ayonkanmbi, of the State Ministry Justice, had urged the court to sentence the defendant accordingly having proved beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant  committed the offence for which he was charged. She noted that several evidences brought before the Court by the Prosecution had proved the allegation of the crime levied against the defendant. The trial judge,  Hon. Justice A.O Soladoye in her sentencing, stated that the evidences provided by the prosecutors were credible and compelling providing enough  ground for the conviction of the defendant. Justice Soladoye found the defendant guilty of the charge, punishable under section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015) and sentenced him accordingly. “You are hereby sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for the offence of defilement of a 13 year old girl”, Justice Soladoye ruled. She, however ordered that the Convict,  Nura Asumoge’s name be entered into the Sexual Offenders Register in Lagos State. It will be recalled, that the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the advocacy WALK against domestic violence organised by DSVRT,  had emphasised the commitment of the State Government to ensure the safety and well-being of the Girl- Child and women in Lagos State .

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Lagos State Mediation Centre Made a Giant Stride In Disputes Resolution

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………resolves 13, 125, Recovers 402.3 Million in one year The Lagos State Citizens’ Mediation Centres in year 2020 successfully resolved over 13,000 cases as part of its contribution towards upholding Law and Order in the State as espoused in the T.H.E.M.E.S Developmental Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Administration. The Director, Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), Mrs. Abiola Oseni made this known during the presentation of CMC year 2020 annual report. According to her, the total number of cases received by the centre in year 2020 was 22,617 out of which 16,369 were mediated. 13, 125 cases were totally resolved; 885 cases were independently resolved by the parties without mediation; 128 cases were referred to appropriate agencies of government; 1,317 cases were terminated due to non-attendance at mediation sessions by parties involved while 1,837 cases are adjourned for further mediation. The reports further shows that the Centre recovered Four Hundred and Two  Million, Three Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Three Naira (N402,313,603) on behalf of parties, being the total value of settlement of debt related matters. Speaking on the Annual report, Mrs. Oseni said this is an indication that the centre has the capacity to ensure the State is free from dispute. According to her CMC is established by the Lagos State Government to bring justice to door step of the indigents, decongest the courtroom, thereby accelerating the wheel of justice. She therefore enjoined Lagos State residents to visit any CMC office close to them and have their disputes settled free of charge. Signed Popoola Naheem Olaide Public Affairs Officer, Citizens’ Mediation Centre

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Attorney General launches the Manual for Prosecutors handling cases of Sexual Offences.

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The Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, today launched the Manual for Prosecutors handling cases of Sexual Offences. The surge in the report and prosecution of sexual offences in Lagos State, necessitated the development of this manual to address the complexities inherent in the prosecution of offences of this kind and to complement the efforts of the State Government in bringing Justice to survivors. This manual which was developed in-house sets out the way allegations of sexual violence allegation (Rape and Defilement of a Child in particular) are to be dealt with and handled. It highlights the role of the Prosecutor in the Special Prosecution Unit and what survivors can expect from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. At the presentation of the Manual, The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme which is funded by British European Union(ROLAC) commended the Hon. AG for the initiative which will assist in the continuous training of prosecutors.

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Re: Police Prosecutorial Power In The State Magistrate Courts.

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… Position of Lagos State  – Attorney-General The Ministry of Justice is aware of the current clamour by the Non-Governmental Organizations and Stakeholders to stop Police prosecution of criminal matters in Magistrate Courts in accordance to ACJA provisions. The Ministry, wish to clearly state, that the ACJA does not apply to Lagos State. Furthermore, there is no provision of any Law barring the Police from prosecution of criminal matters in Magistrate Courts in Lagos State. As such, the provision of the Law in Lagos State as it stands does not Bar the Police from the prosecution of matters in Magistrate Courts.  However, the Ministry of Justice is always willing to investigate any issue that would improve Administration of Justice in the State.  As a result, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN had directed the set – up of a committee to look into the matter and advice accordingly.  The committee members are as follows: Arthur Worrey Esq – Chairman  T. K Shitta-Bey (Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Justice) – Member Y. G Oshoala (Directorate of Public Prosecution) – Member  Lawson Coker – Member Bayo Akinlade – Member Rukayat Owolabi – Member Arinola Ayokanmbi – Member.  More importantly, the Ministry is currently in the process of reviewing the State Laws relating to the Administration of Criminal Justice.  The Ministry hereby assures members of the public that they would be informed on the outcome of the committee’s report.

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Lagos Engages Stakeholders On Review Of Obas, Chiefs Law

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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice today began a stakeholders’ meeting on the Review of the Obas and Chiefs of Lagos State Law, 2015. The meeting, organised by the Ministry’s  Directorate of Legislative Drafting, is seeking to update the law to make it responsive to current realities. Director, Legislative Drafting, Mrs Aderinsola Olarenwaju, explained the importance of the review.  “The present legislation is a good law, it’s been in existence since since 1957,” Olarenwaju said, adding that there is a need to “look into it, identify the lacuna and change things not in tandem with present realities.” She explained that the Ministry identified several lacuna in the law and set up a committee which came up with a draft containing proposals that were presented at the meeting.  The director urged those who didn’t join the session to “send a memorandum for amendment of sections or repeal.” Olarenwaju added that a bigger session would be held with obas and other stakeholders in attendance.  Director, Chieftaincy, Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Folami Lukman, praised the Ministry “especially the Directorate of Legislative Drafting” for organising the event.  Emphasising the need for the review, he revealed that there were no fewer than 93 monarchs – 65 of whom are first class obas – and 10 empty stools in Lagos State.  He said: “The law really needs to be upgraded. They should help us fast-track this review. Everybody wants to become Oba, chief. Even those with red blood, that are not bluebloods, they want to become obas. Let us do something and help our laws and help save the state.  “The state’s size is not increasing. As of today, we have 93 obas on ground; about 10 stools that need to be occupied.”  An Assistant Director, Legislative Drafting, Mr. Abdulfatai Muheed, presented the Directorate’s proposals.  The interactive session considered amending several sections of the Law, including Section 12 which provides that amendment or replacement of registered declaration is permissible only once.

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Lasg Arraigns Man Who Assaulted Lastma Officer

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The Lagos State Government has arraigned one Ben Emmanuel before a Chief Magistrate Court in Yaba for assaulting a LASTMA officer.  Ben Emmanuel in company of some persons who are now at large, was alleged to have assaulted and inflicted injuries on Ismaila Lukman, a LASTMA officer, while carrying out his assigned official duty on Sunday 8th November 2020 at Jakande Junction area in Lekki. In a Statement signed by the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, the Director of Public Prosecutions had on 10th November 2020, arraigned Ben Emmanuel before Yaba, Chief Magistrate Court on a (2) two count Charge of:   Grievious Bodily Harm under Section. 245 and Resisting a Public Officer while engaged in discharge of his Lawful duties under Section 117(1). The Magistrate Court granted Ben Emmanuel, bail in the sum of N500,000 and two bail sureties. While the case was adjourned till 26th November 2020 for Trial. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Attorney General, Mr Moyosore  Onigbanjo SAN has sounded a note of warning to recalcitrant members of the Public to stop  harassment of Officials of the State Government carrying out their Lawful duties.

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Lasg Arraigns Boat Operator Over Mishap

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… Prosecutes Driver And  Vehicle Owner Over Killing Of Two The Lagos State Government has arraigned a Boat Captain, Elebiju Happiness, over the boat mishap on Lagos Waterways around the Kirikiri area. The trial began on Thursday before Hon. Justice Josephine Oyefeso of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja. The defendant was charged with involuntary manslaughter and the operating of a boat without a license. Elebiju was arraigned by the Lagos State Government on a Ten (10) count charge dated 24th of August, 2020. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Elebiju allegedly caused the death of Thirteen (13) passengers in a boat mishap on the Lagos State Inland Waterways along Kirikiri after taking off from an illegal  loading site with twenty (20) passengers. Upon capsizing, the rescue team of Lagos State Waterways Authority, Marine Police and other boat operators rescued five (5) passengers  while the defendant (Captain of the boat) and his Deck hand boy survived. The Director Public Prosecutions, Mrs Yinka Adeyemi, who led the prosecution argued that the alleged offences against the Defendants were Involuntary Manslaughter contrary to Section 224 and punishable under Section 229 of the Criminal Law Ch C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015 and Operating without a license contrary to Section 311 (1) of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018. The DPP further presented two witnesses before the court who gave evidence against the defendant.  The trial Judge, Hon. Justice Josephine Oyefeso, however, adjourned the matter to 17th of September for continuation of trial.  In a related development, the Lagos State Government has also commenced the prosecution of the driver and owner of a vehicle, Dominic Amaechi and Cyprian Arinze respectively over the killing of two persons and causing bodily harm on another person.  The defendants were arraigned on 2nd of September, 2020 before Hon. Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.  The driver of the vehicle was charged with among others, driving in a dangerous and reckless manner, involuntary manslaughter, causing grievous bodily harm, wilful damage to property and failure to obtain a valid driver’s license. The owner of the vehicle was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter as a result of refusal to ensure that his truck was roadworthy and failure to obtain vehicle licence and relevant permits.  The Defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The accident caused the death of Eno Joseph (M), Titilayo Alayonimi (F), breaking of the leg of one Alani Oladipupo (M) and also causing severe damage to the property of Saba Steel Nigeria Ltd.  According to the Prosecutor the offences were contrary to Section 224 of the Criminal Law, Laws of Lagos State 2015  , Sections 18 and 51 of the Lagos State Transport  Sector Reform Law , 2018. The case was adjourned till 30th of September for trial.

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