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Lagos State Ministry of Justice

PRESS RELEASE – LAGOS SEEKS STAKEHOLDERS SUPPORT TO ADVANCE COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHEME

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The Lagos State Government has called for increased stakeholder support to advance the Community Service Scheme and strengthen the implementation of non-custodial sentencing and restorative justice in the State. To stimulate this objective, the Ministry of Justice ,Community Service Unit on Tuesday convened a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Programme at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja to collaborate,promote, support and advance the community service Scheme in the State. Speaking at the event,The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, and the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, ably represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Adebayo Haroun, emphasized that modern criminal justice systems must balance punishment with rehabilitation and reintegration. He noted that the Community Service Scheme has become an important non-custodial sentencing option in Lagos State, providing offenders with opportunities for behavioural reform while contributing positively to society. Haroun explained that the Community Service Unit plays a central role in implementing the Scheme by assessing offenders, assigning them to approved placements, monitoring compliance, and reporting outcomes to the courts. According to him, the Scheme has contributed significantly to prison decongestion, reduced the cost of short-term incarceration, and enabled many offenders to acquire discipline and maintain social stability while serving their sentences. The DPP stressed that the effectiveness of community service sentencing depends on robust institutional support, effective supervision, and active participation from both public and private sector stakeholders. He also called on relevant stakeholders to support offender rehabilitation through mentorship, vocational training, skills acquisition programmes, and approved placement opportunities. Haroun urged them to embrace the Community Service Scheme as a means of rehabilitating offenders, reducing recidivism and promoting safer communities, describing it as a collective effort towards a more restorative justice system. A major highlight of the programme was the presentation of testimonies by beneficiaries of the Community Service Scheme, who shared personal accounts of how the initiative contributed to their behavioural reform, skill acquisition, and successful reintegration into society. They expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for providing them with a second chance to rebuild their lives. While delivering the vote of thanks, the Director of the Community Service Unit, Mrs. Tomi Bodude, expressed appreciation to all participants and stakeholders for their contributions, noting that the engagements and insights shared during the event would strengthen collaboration, promote offender rehabilitation and reintegration, and further enhance community-based corrections in Lagos State. The Communiqué issued at the close of the programme emphasized the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, increased stakeholder participation, sustained public sensitization on non-custodial measures, including the mobilization of resources necessary to enhance the effectiveness, reach and impact of the Community Service Scheme across Lagos State.

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PRESS RELEASE – LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT SECURES CONVICTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL OFFENDER.

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… Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Environmental Offences. The Lagos State Government has secured the conviction of Makinde Rasaq before the Special Offenses (Mobile Court) sitting at Bolade, Oshodi for multiple environmental offences, contrary to the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, and other applicable laws. The defendant, Makinde Rasaq (48), was arraigned and convicted on seven counts; bordering on conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace; indiscriminate dumping and disposal of refuse at unauthorised locations including roads, sidewalks, streets, and vacant lands; failure to patronise an approved Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operator; managing and transporting waste in a manner detrimental to the environment; operating waste collection, transportation, and disposal services without a valid licence; and obstructing authorised government officials in the lawful execution of their duties, all contrary to the relevant provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. The defendant was found guilty on seven (7) counts, with the court handing down the following sentences: Count 1: One (1) month community service or one (1) month at a correctional centre.Count 2: Two (2) months community service or three (3) months at a correctional centre.Count 3: Two (2) months community service or three (3) months at a correctional centre.Count 4: Two (2) months community service or three (3) months at a correctional centre.Count 5: Two (2) months community service or three (3) months at a correctional centre.Count 6: Three (3) months community service or two (2) months at a correctional centre.Count 7: Two (2) months of community service or three (3) months at a correctional centre. The court ordered that all sentences shall run consecutively, subject to the option exercised by the convict. The prosecution was led by Olufemi Adekunle, appearing with Oluwabusola Omotunde, on behalf of the State. In delivering his judgment, the Presiding Magistrate, Justice F.J Adefioye, warned that environmental offences pose serious risks to public health and safety, stressing that the courts will continue to support government efforts to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and illegal waste operations. The Lagos State Government reiterates its zero tolerance for environmental degradation, illegal waste disposal, unlicensed waste activities, and obstruction of environmental enforcement officers. Residents and business operators are advised to patronise only approved PSP operators and comply fully with all environmental regulations to avoid sanctions.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS MOJ, COMMUNITY SERVICE SENSITIZES STAKEHOLDERS ON PRISON DECONGESTION

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…Deepens Public Understanding of Community Service Provisions Under the ACJL The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through its Community Service Unit (CSU), held a sensitization and medical outreach on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, at the Lagos Island Local Government Secretariat, Broad Street, Lagos Island. The event, themed “Justice that Serves the Community,” engaged residents of Lagos Island East and West Local Government Areas. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of All Chairmen in the 36 States, Mr. Williams, stressed that obedience to the laws of the land promotes safety, health, and responsibility. He noted that Community Service is not just an activity but a mindset that enhances security efforts and supports the growth of a peaceful and progressive society. He further stated that no administration can succeed without law and order.“This meeting is a call to action and a call to volunteer more,” he declared, urging citizens to work hand in hand with government as a duty, not a favour. Mr. Williams added that a city without laws cannot thrive, emphasizing the importance of civic responsibility and adherence to government regulations. Delivering the keynote address, the Director of Community Service, Mrs. Tomi Bodude, explained that the programme aims to deepen public understanding of Community Service as a lawful non-custodial sentence under the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL). She noted that Community Service rehabilitates minor offenders, restores public confidence, decongests correctional facilities, and prevents first-time offenders from mixing with hardened criminals. She also urged residents not to stigmatise individuals serving Community Service, stressing their capacity for reform and reintegration. In his Goodwill message, the Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Government, Muibi Alade Folawiyo, represented by the Vice-Chairman, Mrs. Balogun Monsurat Oluwatosin, reaffirmed the Area’s support for the State Government’s initiative. Similarly, the Chairman of Lagos Island West Local Government, Hon. Taiwo Ajibade Oyekan, represented by the Vice-Chairman, Hon. Issa Arulai Olatunji Folami, commended the Ministry for educating the public on opportunities for offenders to rebuild their lives. The sensitization programme recorded strong participation across both Local Government Areas, with over 400 participants drawn from Lagos Island West and Lagos Island East. Attendees were mainly market leaders and elderly members of the community. The medical outreach also recorded significant impact, with 50 beneficiaries each from Lagos Island West and Lagos Island East. Free health services provided included malaria testing, blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, distribution of medications, and health education for participants. Furthermore,The Director of Community Service expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, including Lagos Island Local Government officials, medical personnel, security agencies, partner organisations, and community members, for their collaboration and support. Mrs Bodude concluded by noting that the medical outreach demonstrates government’s commitment to community wellbeing through the provision of essential health services such as consultations, screenings, and health education.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS MOJ: RJC, CSC SECURE COMMUNITY SERVICE SENTENCE FOR OFFENDERS

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In line with its reform agenda and commitment to decongesting correctional facilities across the State, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, through its Restorative Justice Centre (RJC), in collaboration with the Non-Custodial/Community Service Centre, has secured a community service sentence for two bakery workers alleged to have stolen from their employer. The workers were accused of stealing five (5) loaves of bread, with their employer insisting they must be prosecuted in court. However, under the Ministry’s innovative sifting process at the Magistrate Courts, a District Prosecutor reviewed the matter and referred both parties to the Restorative Justice Centre instead of filing charges. Following a successful mediation at the centre, the parties reached an agreement whereby the offenders would serve two weeks of community service, which commenced immediately. This resolution highlights the Ministry’s proactive approach to fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and accountability, while demonstrating the effectiveness of restorative justice in resolving minor offences.

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