Press Releases – Page 8 – Lagos State Ministry of Justice

PRESS RELEASE:COURT ARRAIGNS ASP DRAMBI VANDI FOR TRIAL

Posted on January 16, 2023

Lagos cop, Assistant Superintendent, ASP Drambi Vandi was arraigned on Monday 16th of January, 2023 before Hon. Justice Ibironke Harrison at a Lagos State High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos. Drambi Vandi was arraigned on a (1) one count charge for allegedly killing Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem at Ajah roundabout, along Lekki Expressway, Lagos on the 25th of December, 2022. The offence violates Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The defendant pleaded not guilty. The Prosecution team led by the Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN informed the court that two witnesses were in court and he took the examination in Chief while the defense Counsel,Mr Adetokunbo Odutola had a bit of cross examination which he intends to continue on the next adjourned date Hon. Justice Ibironke Harrison gave an order of accelerated hearing while adjourning the matter till Jan 25 and 26 for cross examination and continuation of trial.

Press Release: Lagos High Court To Commence Trial Of Drambi Vandi

Posted on January 15, 2023

A Lagos State High Court will on Monday, 16th of January, 2023, commence the trial of Drambi Vandi, a police officer attached to Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah who allegedly killed a Lagos-based lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem on Christmas day along Ajah axis. In a statement signed by the Office of the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo,(SAN), the trial of ASP Drambi Vandi who allegedly killed Omobolanle Raheem on the 25th of December, 2022, along Ajah Expressway will commence on Monday, 16th of January, 2023 before Justice Harrison at a Lagos High Court sitting at TBS. Drambi Vandi previously appeared before a Chief Magistrate Court, Yaba on Friday,30th December 2022, a day after the Police Service Commission approved his suspension over the killing of Omobolanle Raheem. Recall that the Lagos State Police Command confirmed that Mr Drambi Vandi has since been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre while investigations are ongoing.

PRESS RELEASE: NBA LEADERSHIP PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO LAGOS ATTORNEY GENERAL

Posted on January 5, 2023

In continuation of the efforts of the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to engender a more cordial relationship between the Bar, the Bench and the people, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA),Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) on Thursday, led some members of the National Executive and Senior Members of the Bar, on a courtesy visit to the office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN). The NBA President and his delegates were warmly received by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice as well as the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-bey and Directors of the Ministry. In his welcome address, the Attorney General, stated that the visit was quite rare as this is the first time an NBA President will pay a visit to the ministry after winning the NBA election. This, the commissioner noted shows the kind of leader the NBA president is. “I must say that you are a humane person because you aren’t doing this to take glory or show off how competent you are. This is impressive and what you have done today has demonstrated the kind of leader the NBA needs” he said. On the unfortunate death of Mrs. Bolanle Raheem, a member of the NBA, Onigbanjo commended the NBA President for taking time out of his busy schedule to travel down to commiserate with the family of the victim and also visiting the Ministry of Justice to show appreciation for leading the prosecution of the case. The commissioner further noted that his office and the Ministry of Justice will continue to show immense support towards any activity presented by the NBA and ensure speedy dispensation of justice for the family of the victim. Speaking during the visit, the NBA president, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception afforded him and his team. He noted that he emerged winner of the NBA election with a large percentage of the votes from Lagos State which was unbelievable as he didn’t expect to beat his opponent by such margin and he’s back like the “one leper” mentioned in the bible to say “thank you” for the unwavering support towards his election as President of the organisation. Furthermore, the NBA President extended profound gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Attorney General and his Prosecution team in the Ministry of Justice, the Police Force and citizens of the State for their swift response and reactions towards the death of Mrs Raheem who was allegedly killed on the 25th of December, 2022 by an officer of the Nigerian Police Force. While commending the State Governor,Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Attorney General, he stated that this action will send a strong message across the entire nation as it has further instilled and reinforced confidence in the justice system of Nigeria. The NBA president concluded by commending the State government for the various law reforms in ensuring quick dispensation of justice noting that these reforms will ensure decongestion of the various correctional centres.

PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS COURT REMANDS DR. OLUFEMI OLALEYE OVER ALLEDGED DEFILEMENT

Posted on November 30, 2022

A Domestic and Sexual Violence Court sitting in Ikeja on Wednesday has remanded one Dr. Olufemi Olaleye of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, over alleged Defilement and Sexual Penetration of his wife’s niece. The defendant was arraigned today, 30th of November, 2022, before Hon. Justice Ramon Oshodi, on a two-count charge of defilement and sexual penetration against a minor which is contrary to Sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Olaleye pleaded not guilty before the court. Hon. Justice Ramon Oshodi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum, adding that the sureties must have landed property in the state and also provide evidence of tax payments in the last three years. The defendant must also deposit his international passport including his British passport. The Director, Directorate of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins, argued that the condition for bail is well noted in the law, noting that the charge against him attracts life sentence. However, Hon. Justice Ramon Oshodi ruled that the defendant be remanded is Ikoyi correctional facility, while he fixed trial for 19th and 21st of December, 2022.

PRESS RELEASE

Posted on November 25, 2022

LAGOS PAC: COMMITTED TO OFFERING FREE LEGAL ADVICE TO RESIDENTS The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Public Advice Centre (PAC), is committed to providing easy access to information for residents seeking to know their rights and responsibilities while offering free legal advice on infringement cases in tandem with the State Government T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda on security and governance. This statement was disclosed by the Director of the Centre, Mrs. Husseina Akinnawo during a chat with the media team in her office recently. Mrs. Husseina Akinnawo stated that the Centre is an intermediary between the State Government and the grassroots who require enlightenment on the policies of the State Government. According to her, PAC also serves as a First Port of Call for residents in distress and a Directory for those who need information on where to seek recourse or help in cases of infringement by way of referral to relevant government institutions in accordance with the extant Laws of Lagos State. “The Centre is modelled according to the United Kingdom Citizens Advice Bureau now called Citizens Advice which resolves issues on limitless range of subjects”, she said. The Director further disclosed that the PAC has treated over 3 million cases and recorded notable milestones since inception in 2008. In the last one year, the PAC has attended to 8,987 cases ranging from free legal advice and referred cases from tenancy matters to debt recovery, domestic violence, consumer advisory services, violation of human rights violation, Social Exclusion and environmental related issues to mention but a few that are on its mandate which has helped to ensure access to justice and maintenance of stability in the society through the promotion of legal awareness. “To ensure that residents in the State take advantage of the services the State Government provides, the Centre plans to embark on more sensitizaition campaigns, using both digital and traditional methods, while planning to open Sub-Offices in the 4 divisions of Lagos State which will expand to the 20 Local Government Areas of the State and the 37 LCDAs for more residents to benefit” she added.

PRESS STATEMENT

Posted on November 20, 2022

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE LATE OLUWABAMISHE AYANWOLA COURT PROCEEDINGS THE STATE OF LAGOS V ANDREW NICE OMINIKORON – CHARGE NO LD/18316C/2022 As we approach the first post-humous birthday of Oluwabamishe Ayanwola, the Lagos State Government again empathizes with the family on the incident that led to the untimely death of their loved one. The Government wishes to reiterate that it will, through the Ministry of Justice, leave no stone unturned in ensuring the diligent prosecution of the Defendant- Andrew Nice Ominikoron. Towards fulfilling this obligation, the Defendant was arrested by the Police on the 7th of March, 2022. A five-count charge, which includes the offences of Murder, Rape, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony and Sexual Assault, was preferred against the Defendant and he has since been arraigned before Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the High Court of Lagos State on 22nd of March 2022. In the proof of evidence, the State lined up nine (9) witnesses to testify. Trial commenced on the 9th of May, 2022 and from the time of arraignment till date, the case has come up eleven (11) times. The State has called seven (7) witnesses with thirteen (13) exhibits tendered. PW7 whose examination-in-chief was concluded on 31st day of October, 2022 is now being cross examined by defence counsel and the case stands adjourned till 5th of December, 2022 for continuation of trial. The prosecuting team is being led by the Honourable Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions to underscore the importance and priority given to the case by the State. The family of Oluwabamishe Ayanwola is represented by Mr. Adeshina Ogunlana or counsel from his chambers. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, also sends a legal team to observe the proceedings. Remarkable progress has been made in the matter and the State has demonstrated its readiness and determination to ensure the matter is prosecuted to its logical conclusion by ensuring that all its witnesses are available and ready to testify. Between date of arraignment (March 2022) till date, 7 witnesses out of 9 have testified. The family of the deceased as well as members of the public are hereby assured that the trial of the Defendant is ongoing and the Lagos State government will not relent in its effort to ensure that justice is speedily served in the case. Dated this 20th November, 2022 T.K. SHITTA-BEY (MS) Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Justice

PRESS RELEASE

Posted on November 14, 2022

RE: COURT BARS LAGOS, OTHER STATES FROM CONTROL OF INLAND WATERWAYS 1. The attention of Lagos State Government has been drawn to online reports dated 8th November 2022 in BUSINESS INSIDERNG and shipandports.com.ng titled “COURT BARS LAGOS, OTHER STATES FROM CONTROL OF INLAND WATERWAYS” and “COURT BARS STATES FROM CONTROL OF INLAND WATERWAYS”, where it was respectively reported that by a recent decision of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt Division in Suit No: FHC/PH/CS/142/2022 between Bright Waters Energy Limited (plaintiff) and the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, River State, the Hon. Commissioner of Environment, Rivers State and Petroleum Financial Corporate (PFC) as (defendants), no state government in the country has the power or authority to legislate over inland waterways. The State Government is therefore compelled to write a response in the following manner because of the inaccuracies the report conveyed. 2. In a judgement delivered on the 17th of July, 2017 the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division in CA/S/886/2014 BETWEEN LAGOS STATE WATERWAYS AUTHORITY & 3 OTHERS VS. THE INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF ASSOCIATION OF BOAT OPERATORS & WATER TRANSPORTATION IN NIGERIA & 5 OTHERS. held that by the combined interpretation of Part 1 of the Second Schedule to the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, especially items 29, 36 and 64 of the Exclusive Legislative List the waterways cutting across International and State boundaries are to be declared as such by the National Assembly but there is nothing in the Exclusive List dealing with Inter-state waterways either in Lagos or any other State in the Federation. According to the Court of Appeal, item 64 deals with water from sources declared by the National Assembly to be sources affecting more than one State. The inland waterways within Lagos State are not and cannot by any stretch of interpretation be covered by any item on the Exclusive Legislative List under Part 1 to the Second Schedule of the Constitution. 3. The Court of Appeal held that absence of Lagos State intra-waterways in the Exclusive List and Concurrent List makes it automatically a Residuary Item that falls within the Legislative competence of the Lagos State House of Assembly. 4. The National Inland Waterways Authority dissatisfied with the above judgement of the Court of Appeal appealed to the Supreme Court where the matter is now pending. 5. By the judgment of the Court of Appeal referred to above, the Lagos State House of Assembly is competent to make Laws in respect of the Intra-inland waterways in Lagos State except the Inter-state waterway declared as International or Inter-state waterway under item 5 in the Second Schedule to the National Inland Waterways Act CAP N47 LFN 2004. Signed Hameed Oyenuga Director, Civil Litigation Lagos State Ministry of Justice 11th of November, 2022

PRESS RELEASE

Posted on October 26, 2022

RE: BUDGET DEFICIT: GOVERNMENT MAY SELL TBS, NIPPs, 25 KEY ASSETS. The attention of Lagos State Government has been drawn to news report in the front page of Punch Newspaper dated 21st October, 2022 that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning is planning to either sell or grant concession in respect of Tafawa Balewa Square situate in Lagos Island, Lagos State. The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation (HAGF) must be aware that the position of Federal Government to either sell or concession the Tafawa Balewa Square cannot be valid as the HAGF is the Plaintiff in Suit No. SC.508/2012 between Attorney General of the Federation vs. Attorney General of Lagos State pending before the Supreme Court wherein the HAGF is seeking for declaration that the ownership of the land, building, monuments structures and fixtures better known as Tafawa Balewa Square in the city of Lagos is vested in the Federal Government. The Suit is fixed for 1st November, 2022 for hearing by the apex Court. Unfortunately this is the second time the Federal Government and its Agencies have taken this position. Which is quite contrary to the recognition that there is an existing and pending dispute between the parties in relation to the ownership of the Tafawa Balewa Square and this resulted in the HAGF invoking the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to seek resolution of the dispute between the Federal Government and Lagos State Government. In response to the Federal Government’s first attempt to circumvent the matter pending at the Supreme Court, on the 17th of June, 2021 the Lagos State Government took out an advertorial in the Punch Newspaper to refute the allegation of Federal Government and its Agencies to ownership of the Tafawa Balewa Square. A copy of the advertorial is attached for ease of reference. It is the position of law that once parties have submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of court they are not take to any action that will affect the subject matter of the Suit and any plan to either sell or concession the Tafawa Balewa Square during the pendency of the Suit before the Supreme Court will violate the principle of lis pendis and such sale or concession is liable to be declared null and void. As the Chief Law Officer of the Federation it is incumbent on your office to advise the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget And National Planning and Bureau of Public Enterprises that no such sale or concession in respect of Tafawa Balewa Square is to be embarked upon until the Suit instituted by your office in the Supreme Court is determined. Signed Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN Honourable Attorney General And Commissioner For Justice, Lagos State 26th October, 2022

Lagos Orders Coroner’s Inquest into Death of Bimbo Ogbona

Posted on October 25, 2022

The Lagos State Government has ordered a coroner’s inquest to ascertain the cause of death in the case of the late Bimbo Ogbonna who allegedly died recently as a result of severe fire injuries. The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN ) gave the directive recently noting that thorough investigation will be carried out to ascertain the cause if death. “A Coroner’s Inquest has immediately been requested , in line with section 14 and 15 of the Coroners’ Systems Law, Laws of Lagos State 2015, to determine the cause and circumstances of death. By Section 14(1)(d) of the Coroners’ System Law of the State: “A report of death shall be made to any of the agencies for the report of death or the office of the Coroner and be subject to post-mortem examination where there is reasonable cause to believe that the cause of death was: violent, unnatural or suspicious.” Section 15(1) and (9) further enjoins the Coroner to hold an inquest whenever he or she is informed that the death of the deceased person was in a violent, unnatural or suspicious situation or believes an inquest is desirable following the report of a reportable death. The commissioner noted that as a government, the security and wellbeing of citizens are of utmost importance while assuring the public that everything will be done to ensure that the cause of death is known. “The findings of this investigation will be made public in due course and appropriate sanctions meted out to anyone found culpable”. The Attorney General also charged the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to assist the Police and other law enforcement agencies in investigating the case and ascertaining the cause of death of the late Bimbo Ogbonna which which had attracted wide media attention. The Executive Secretary, Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs. Titilola Vivour Adeniyi also reiterated the State government’s resolve to ensure perpetrators of Sexual and Gender Based Violence crimes are brought to face the full wrath of the law and urged residents to report cases of domestic and Sexual Violence cases to the DSVA office in Alausa Ikeja or call the toll free number 08000333333 (24/7).

PRESS RELEASE

Posted on October 5, 2022

LASG APPEALS AGAINST LASTMA JUDGMENT The Lagos State Government on the 30th day of September, 2022 filed a Notice of Appeal containing four (4) grounds of appeal against the judgment of Honourable Justice Olalekan Oresanya delivered on 22nd day of September, 2022 wherein the Court held that LASTMA could not impose fines and tow vehicles without an Order of Court of competent jurisdiction. The State Government reviewed the judgment and dissatisfied with same, has exercised its constitutional right of appeal by filing a Notice of Appeal on the 30th day of September, 2022. An application for Stay of Execution of the judgment has also been filed. Consequently, members of the public are therefore advised to be law abiding and ensure compliance with relevant Laws of the State. SIGNED HAMEED OYENUGA Director of Civil Litigation Lagos State Ministry of Justice. 5th October,2022