Lagos State Ministry of Justice

PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE REFORMS AND THE RULE OF LAW

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…. assures for an effective justice delivery system – SANWO-OLU The Lagos State Government has advocated for Justice Reforms to enhance the effectiveness of its justice system. The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu, disclosed this on Monday, at the opening ceremony of the 2day Justice Reform Summit, themed: Enhancing the Administration of Justice, Investment Protection and Security in Lagos State; held at the Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos. Sanwo-Olu noted that his administration has initiated several reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system to support economic growth, investment protection and security in his State. Citing an example using the judiciary sector of Singapore, he noted that despite its small size on the world map, the country’s emphasis on the Rule of Law ensures that legal rules are consistently applied, stating that this confidence is crucial for economic stability and growth, as it reassures investors and businesses of a predictable and reliable legal environment. Declaring the event open, Sanwo-olu acknowledged that more work had to be done by the government and other stakeholders in the administration of both civil and criminal justice delivery system. “Lagos can be a safe haven for investment worldwide and we need a strong judicial system for that to exist. That will be one of the strongest points that investors will be looking for.” “Despite being referred to as the Giant of Africa, we still have a very long way to go in the administration of justice. It’s important we think out of the box, execute things quicker, faster and smarter”, He said. He further stressed that there has to be collaboration between the government, the bench and the bar. This triad plays a crucial role in ensuring that justice is delivered efficiently, fairly and transparently. Speaking earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN stated that the dispensation of justice and the need to ensure an effective judicial system is a paramount role that all stakeholders in the justice system must strive to achieve if Lagos State and Nigeria as whole must achieve the desired results. He noted that during the recent press briefing organized by the Ministry of Justice, he was asked a pertinent question on why this particular summit will be different from the previous ones. The AG answered that this summit will not only focus on access to justice for all but to enhance administration of justice for improved economic activities, investment protection and security in Lagos State. He further explained that he desires that Civil cases in trial courts should not last more than 18 months from the date of commencement of an action and 6 months in cases of simple recovery of debt and 3 months in cases of recovery of arrears of rents and possession of premises in the State. Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, appealed to his learned colleagues and other stakeholders in the justice sector that as they continue to safeguard the rule of law and promote access to justice, they should also use the administration of justice for enhancement of economic growth, investment protection and security in the State and Nigeria as a nation while restoring public trust and confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law. In the same vein, the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef . Fagbemi ,SAN,through his representative,said that the Summit presents an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, share experiences, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the system, and collectively make informed decisions about reform and a new course towards a more efficient, transparent, and accessible justice system in Lagos State and beyond. “I have consistently reiterated that an effective and impartial justice system is the bedrock of any thriving economy. It provides the necessary safeguards for property rights, contract enforcement, and the resolution of commercial disputes; all of which are critical components for fostering a business-friendly environment”. “Furthermore, a fair and accessible justice system instil confidence in investors, both domestic and international, reassuring them that their interests will be protected and their grievances would be appropriately addressed”, he said. He however reassured that the Federal Ministry of Justice will intensify its engagements with the various States of the Federation through Inter-Governmental platforms like the Governors’ Forum, Body of Attorneys-General, as well as Solicitors-General meetings on issues pertaining to justice sector reforms and other cross-cutting issues of national significance. Delivering his keynote address earlier, the Former President of the Laws Society of Singapore, Mr. Gregory Viajayendran, SC noted that the Administration of Justice is linked to societal development – (Adam Smith 1772) and studies have shown that a failing justice system hinders societal and economic progress. According to Viajayendran, Lagos has been at the forefront of judicial reforms in Nigeria since 1999. He noted that there are significant inefficiencies and resource constraints that are abound in the justice system of Lagos State. “As Africa’s 5th largest economy, Lagos can leapfrog with an enhanced justice system through continuous improvement to maintain its status as a commercial hub” He further explained that what is expected is the professionalism and integrity among judiciary which is vital for restoring the trust and credibility in the public face, asserting that there is a need for strategic measures to expedite cases, reduce backlogs and eliminate public dissatisfaction. Concluding his address, Mr. Gregory Viajayendran, SC, mentioned that inefficient and outdated technology can hinder justice delivery in the state which is why Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole must leverage the use of AI technology and modernizing court system that can enhance overall efficiency. Delivering her Vote of thanks, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shittabey -Jeje, stated that the Summit marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts to enhance the administration of justice in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole. The Solicitor General expressed a deep sense of gratitude towards the Chief Host of the event, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu

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Press Release – Plateau, Jigawa States Understudy the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender.

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Delegations from the Plateau and Jigawa States Ministries of Justice on Friday 24th May 2024 visited the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender to understudy the working processes of the Agency at Its Surulere head office. The Delegation from Plateau State was led by the Honourable Attorney General/ Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Philemon Audu Daffi while the Jigawa State Delegation was led by the Honourable Attorney General/ Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Bello Abdulkadir Fanni. Welcoming the Delegations to the Agency, the Director, Office of the Public Defender (OPD) Mrs Olubunmi Adesomoju informed them about the historical background of the office, she disclosed that the Agency started as a Unit under a Department in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice on 24th of July 2000 known as Citizen’s Rights Department. OPD eventually became autonomous with the enactment of the OPD Law. She stated further that the office is a body established by the Lagos State Government to render free & quality legal services in criminal and civil cases to the indigents and vulnerable residents of the State with emphasis on issues threatening the socio-economic rights of the poor as well as other vulnerable groups such as children, women, the physically challenged, pensioners, widows etc. Adesomoju also mentioned the structural components that made up the Office, which includes the Criminal Defence of the High Courts & Magistrate Courts Units, Family and Child Justice Unit, Civil and Small Claims Court Unit, Social and Welfare Unit, Public Affairs Unit among others. She disclosed that the Office has resident Counsel in all the High courts and all Magistrate courts in the State and provide legal representation.She added that the Agency also has some functional committees that make it function efficiently and effectively, this includes the Rescue Mission committee, Advocacy/Campaign committee, Project committee, Correctional Center Visit committee etc. In his remark, the Hon. Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice Plateau State, Barrister Philemon Audu Daffi disclosed that both delegations were in Lagos State to get practical solutions that would make access to justice a reality for their people, he added that they wanted practical steps that can be implemented immediately. He mentioned that they were both on the verge of commencing the Office of the Public Defender in their States. The Jigawa State Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Bello Abdulkadir Fanni spoke in the same line with his colleague from Plateau, he added that they discovered that there is a gap to be filled in their States especially in the area of case management and that was a major part of the reason for their visit. The two delegations were furnished with information and materials that would assist them in accomplishing their vision of rendering prompt & adequate access to justice to their people. The two Hon. Commissioners thanked the Lagos State Government on behalf of the Governments and people of Plateau and Jigawa States for the warm welcome & kind gesture accorded to them by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Public Defender in giving them an insight into how effective & impactful access to justice is being implemented in Lagos State. Olatunde OlusesiHead Public AffairsOPD25/5/2024.

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LCIS EXPANSION: ENHANCING THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

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The Lagos State Government has spearheaded the expansion of the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS), thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, disclosed this at a Ministerial Press Briefing in commemoration of the first year of the Second Term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in office on Wednesday held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja. According to the Attorney General, this initiative involves the integration of advanced technology to create a comprehensive and accessible database of criminal records. He also noted that the LCIS includes key features, such as, real-time data entry, improved case tracking, and seamless information sharing among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the judiciary. Mr. Pedro further explained that scaling up of the LCIS aims to reduce case backlogs, ensure accurate and timely access to criminal records, and foster greater transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system. “This strategic enhancement not only streamlines operations but also strengthens public trust and safety among residents of the State”, he said. In addition to this, the Attorney General noted that the LCIS has facilitated the release of more than 250 persons through the Plea Bargain System, outright discontinuane of case where the offense allegedly committed is a minor offence or where case file of suspect was not forwarded to the office of the DPP. The A.G further highlighted a major achievement of the LCIS which is the propagation of the first Juvenile Information System in Nigeria for children in conflict with the law. “other achievements of the LCIS includes; provision of support committee on prerogative of mercy to verify details of applicants/convicts recommended; collaboration with Ministry of Youth and Social Development to profile under-age in conflict with the law” “over 60,000 requests by Magistrates, High Courts and the DPP prosecutors processed between May 2019 to April 2024; assisted in the regeneration of over 4,000 records of suspects that were destroyed during the EndSars protest in 2020”, He said. Whilst briefing the press, the AG revealed that in the period under review, the OPD, a Directorate under the Ministry of Justice obtained 230 judgements in favour of the State, handled 1,812 child-related cases, 316 domestic violence-related cases, and 29 rescue missions; the DPP also obtained 40 judgements in courts and 11 Plea Bargains, received 377 files for legal advice, out of which it issued 229 advice, with 148 files pending. Furthermore, the Directorate of Citizen’s Rights received 755 petitions on family matters, 131 petitions on employee/employer matters and 744 tenancy matters, out of which 539 (family matters), 80 (employee/employer) and 577 (tenancy matters) were resolved respectively while the Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC) received a total number of 35,655 matters for mediation, out of which 20,691 were treated and resolved. Additionally, the Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court, arrested, arraigned and convicted a total number of 10,266 for various minor offences; the LSTFLG obtained 9 judgements in favor of the State, received 582 petitions out of which 120 was concluded, 71 Enforcement Approvals and 33 inscriptions “the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency obtained over 50 judgements, handled 4,641 adult cases, 2,976 children cases, 118 rape cases, rescued 64 people, 36 restraining order, handled 652 social welfare cases, concluded mediation in 107 cases and reached over 800,000 people in the community through advocacy and sensitization” “the Directorate of Civil Litigation obtained 6 judgements in favor of the state, received a contingent liability in terms of Claims in Court to the tune of ₦1, 602, 430, 012, 517.71, and a contingent liability in favour of the State Government which has increased to ₦95, 644,801,659.71. Concluding the scorecard of the Ministry, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, noted that some of the future plans in advancing justice administration in the State include; Partnership with Pepperdine University, USA; Digitalization of Departments and Units; Recruitment of Counsel and the upcoming Justice Reform Summit, themed: Enhancing the Administration of Justice for Economic Growth, Investment Protection and Security in Lagos State. The Attorney General reassured residents of Lagos State that the State Government and the Ministry of Justice will ensure that justice is extended to all nooks and crannies of the State.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS SET TO HOLD JUSTICE REFORM SUMMIT

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Lagos State Government is set to hold a Justice Reform Summit to discuss pressing challenges facing the justice system which has impacted our economy and society as a whole. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro SAN, disclosed this assertion during a press conference held on Monday at the conference room of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja. Mr Pedro asserted that  the Justice Reform Summit was conceived in 2023 upon his assumption of office with the approval of Mr. Governor, which stemmed from earlier discussions and recognition that an efficient and effective justice system is a cornerstone of a well functioning society and a catalyst for economic growth and social stability. He affirmed that to tackle these  critical issues in the justice sector,the Ministry deem it laudable and appropriate to  organize a  Reform Summit, themed: Enhancing the Administration of Justice, Investment Protection and Security in Lagos State” scheduled for Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th May, 2024 at the Marriott Hotel, G.R.A Ikeja with the Governor of Lagos,Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as the Chief host The Attorney General further noted that the Summit’s objectives will include addressing inadequate enforcement of laws, appraising the causes and consequences of delays in the justice system, exploring innovative strategies to expedite legal processes while highlighting the justice systems role in attracting investments and rebuilding investors confidence in the administration of justice. Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, stressed that the event will feature Judges, Scholars, the Nigerian Bar Association, Police, Correctional Officers, Lawmakers, Private Sector Representatives and others, as this will foster a constructive dialogue to evaluate the past, present and chart a course for the future. Speaking earlier during her welcome address, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-bey Jeje, noted that there will be series of discussions aimed at addressing pressing challenges facing the justice system today. Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-bey Jeje further explained that the discussions will border on law enforcement for sustainable growth, the rule of law, alternative dispute resolution, equitable access to legal services while exploring innovative approaches and best practices from other jurisdictions that can be adapted to the justice system of Lagos State. “Our goal is to foster a collaborative environment where ideas and experiences can be freely exchanged, leading to actionable insights and concrete solutions”, she said. The Solicitor General urged all stakeholders to engage actively and contribute to this collective effort and shared commitment so as to make significant strides towards a just and equitable society. Other prominent dignitaries expected at the event include, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON; Attorney General of the federation and Minister for Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi,SAN, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Alogba; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Mudasiru Obasa amongst others.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS STATE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE HOLDS JUSTICE REFORM SUMMIT ON THE 27TH & 28TH MAY, 2024

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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice announces a Justice Reform Summit scheduled to hold on the 27th and 28th of May 2024 at the Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos with the Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as the Chief Host, The Chief Justice of Nigeria Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON as the Chairman and The Attorney General ofthe Federation and Minister for Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN as Special Guest of Honour. Theme – Enhancing The Administration Of Justice For Economic Growth, Investment Protection And Security In Lagos State. Lagos State Government for its various landmark and innovative achievements over the years became a pathfinder for Justice reform in Nigeria. However, being the economic nerve centre of Nigeria, there are real and new challenges to address, hence the summit to explore diverse perspective towards effective and efficient administration of justice for economic growth, security, governance and social protection in Lagos State and by extension the whole of Nigeria. This is towards implementing the THEMES Plus Agenda of the Governor Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwolu-Olu. As a prelude to the Summit there will be a press conference by the Lagos state Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr.Lawal Pedro, SAN. FCIArb where highlights of the Summit will be presented. In order to gather insights from a wide spectrum of Nigerians, the Ministry has created an avenue for stakeholders and members of the public to express their views, observations and recommendations for the reform. Therefore, the stakeholders and members of the public can send their contributions to the following social media platforms: lagosjusticesummit2024@gmail.com WhatsAppNo: 07032276146 Facebook- @Lagosmoj Twitter- @Lagosmoj Instagram- @Lagosmoj Signed SignedMRS TITILAYO SHITTA-BEY JEJESOLICITOR GENERAL AND PERMANENT SECRETARY29/4/24

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Annual Management Staff Retreat

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Lagos Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN),Chief Of Staff to the Governor,Mr Tayo Ayinde, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary MoJ, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey Jeje; former SG/PS Mr Fola Arthur-Worrey; Chairman, Lagos State Task Force, CSP Shola Jejeloye; Co-ordinator, Special Offences (Mobile) Court, Mrs. Arinola Ogbara-Banjoko; Magistrates of the Special Offences (Mobile Court), Counsel and Staff during the Annual Management Staff Retreat organized by the Mobile Court, themed “Exploring the Administration of Evidence in Mobile Court and its Implications for Effective Administration of Justice” on Friday, January 26th – Saturday, 27th January, 2024 at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

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Lagos State Rescues Minors Neglected By Father .

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The Lagos State Government through the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) on Tuesday 23rd January, 2024 rescued two minors age 4 years (male) and 15 months (female) respectively at the Awoyaya axis, Lagos. The Office of the Public Defender (OPD) received an SOS via its Facebook platform in respect of two children who were being neglected and physically abused by their father. The Director OPD, Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju, noted that the OPD rescue team took immediate steps to ensure the children were rescued with the help of the Police. The children are presently receiving the much needed medical support and have been placed in safe custody. She further expressed her appreciation to the mandatory reporters (concerned citizens) who brought the plight of the minors to the attention of the Agency. Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju urged residents of Lagos State to stay vigilant and to report any case or form of domestic abuse on OPD TOLL- FREE NO: 07080601080 and Email Address: opdlagos@gmail.com All such reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

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Press Release: LASG Commemorates 2023 World Human Rights Day

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Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of the Fundamental Human Rights and general well being of it’s citizens. The Lagos State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje ably represented by Director Civil Litigations, Mrs. Yemisi Ogunlola, recently disclosed this during the commemoration of the 2023 World Human Rights Day, Themed: “CONSOLIDATING & SUSTAINING HUMAN RIGHTS CULTURE INTO THE FUTURE” at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industries LCCI, Ikeja, Lagos. According to the Solicitor General, human rights is an indispensable way to make our life peaceful and worth living. Every person is entitled to some rights that are given to them for just being a part of this world irrespective of their race, colour, gender and societal status. “It is crucial to know that Rights are what make society tolerable and sympathetic of each other’s practices and beliefs”, she said. Furthermore, Mrs. Shitta-Bey-Jeje charged School Authorities and Guardians to protect their wards and direct them towards a promising future, emphasising that the State will continue to ensure that through seminars, trainings, drama presentations and school debates across the State, it will continue to bring awareness to the importance of knowing your right as a citizen, how these rights can be protected and how infractions are can be addressed. Also speaking from the Office of Education and Quality Assurance, Mr. Kamorudeen Amusan noted that children have rights and no child should be treated unfairly for any reason. “Children and young people have the same general human rights as adults and also specific rights that recognize their special needs. Children are neither the property of their parents nor are they helpless objects of charity. They are human beings and are the subject of their own rights” Mr. Kamorudeen Amusan stressed that in a protective environment where children’s rights are respected, the world’s most vulnerable children can flourish and reach their highest potential. He encouraged participants to pay attention to their surroundings at all times while ensuring that children’s rights and safety will continue to be a priority in this present administration. The Director for Directorate of Citizens Right, Ms. Adetutu Oshinusi, expressed gratitude towards the stakeholders and students for supporting the government on its journey to protect the rights of citizens across the State, while imploring them to continue being good citizens and ambassadors of the Human Rights movement. Oshinusi therefore urged students and participants at the program to report any form of abuse or violations to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Directorates for Citizens Rights even if it involves family, friends or loved ones. Delivering the vote of thanks, Deputy Director, Directorate of Citizens Right, Mr. Ishola, commended the State Government and the Lagos State Ministry of Justice for their unwavering support towards the safety of children in the State, ensuring that the State Government will continue to unfold initiatives and intervention programmes that will promote the Child Rights’ Protection Law.

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PRESS RELEASE – SGBV AWARENESS MONTH: LAGOS MOJ FELICITATES WITH DSVA

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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Monday, felicitates and received the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) team led by the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, as the agency continued its #TurnAlausaPurple Awareness Campaign to commemorate the month long awareness program themed “NotInMyLagos”. The Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje commended the Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi and her team for putting together the campaign all over the nooks and crannies of the State. Mrs Titilayo Shitta-bey-Jeje stressed that the theme “NotInMyLagos” is apt based on the compelling need to ensure that residents of the State realize that eradicating the menace of Sexual and Gender based Violence is a collective effort from all and sundry, while noting that violence against women and children will not be tolerated in Lagos State.

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PRESS RELEASE: INMATES TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PLEA BARGAIN & RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IN LAGOS

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Over 250 inmates in the Ikoyi and Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centres have so far taken advantage of the 2days Plea Bargain and Restorative Justice Sensitization Program recently organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. The Director, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, made the disclosure at the Kirikiri Medium and Maximum Custodial Centres in Lagos where he led officials of the ministry to a Plea Bargain and Restorative Justice  Sensitization Session for Awaiting Trial Inmates. Dr. Martins 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 Director explained that the Plea 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. Dr. Martins 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. The Coordinator Restorative Justice Centre, Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi noted that the Restorative Justice and 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. “Restorative Justice is an approach to justice that aims to get offenders to take responsibility for their actions, to understand the harm they have caused, to give them an opportunity to redeem themselves, and to discourage them from causing further harm. For victims, its goal is to give them an active role in the process and to reduce feelings of anxiety and powerlessness”, she said. Oluwafemi stressed that the goals of the Lagos State Restorative Justice Programme include reduction of recidivism, increasing victim satisfaction, strengthening communities, decongestion of correctional Centres, reducing incarceration, and increasing public confidence in the justice system. The Deputy Controller of Corrections, Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre, DCC Ogbuji C. Emeka was on hand to receive the entourage from Lagos State Ministry of Justice . Dr. Martins urged the inmates who have been awaiting trial for a long time to consider the Plea Bargain or Restorative Justice option.

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