Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court – Lagos State Ministry of Justice

LAGOS MOBILE COURT HOLDS TWO-DAY RETREAT, CHARTS STRATEGIES FOR STATEWIDE EXPANSION

Posted on February 13, 2026

The Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court on Thursday commenced a two-day strategic retreat themed “The Mandate of Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court; Strategies for the Path Ahead,” holding from 12th to 13th February 2026 at Amber Residence, GRA, Ikeja. In his address during the opening ceremony, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, ably represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, stated that the Mobile Court was established as a decentralised, on-the-spot judicial mechanism to address the immediacy and volume of minor offences in Lagos State. He explained that the Court functions not as an exception to justice, but as an extension of the formal judicial system, firmly grounded in law, due process, and judicial oversight. Pedro further outlined the core mandate of the Mobile Court, which includes: Swift adjudication of environmental, sanitation, traffic, and public nuisance offences; Bringing justice closer to the people; Enhancing compliance and deterrence through visible enforcement amongst others. He noted that the Court handles traffic violations, environmental and sanitation offences, public order infractions, and other minor criminal matters within its jurisdiction. The AG commended the measurable impact of the Court in decongesting conventional courts, enhancing regulatory compliance, reducing repeat violations, and reinforcing the rule of law, while acknowledging that its current reach remains limited relative to the scale of infractions across the State. He therefore called for a strategic statewide expansion of the Mobile Court, improved coordination and standardization, data-driven operations, and strict adherence to due process and human rights. The Attorney General added that a strengthened Mobile Court system directly supports key pillars of the State’s development agenda, particularly transportation, environment, security, and governance. “This retreat should mark a renewed commitment to repositioning the Mobile Court as a statewide instrument of swift and fair justice, covering more areas of Lagos State, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and sustaining public confidence”. Pedro concluded Earlier in his welcome address, the Coordinator of the Special Offences (Mobile) Court, Mr. Olufemi Adekunle, described the retreat as a timely opportunity for introspection, coordination, and strategic planning. He noted that the Mobile Court remains a critical enforcement mechanism in a fast-growing megacity like Lagos, where environmental, traffic, and public order infractions occur daily and require swift judicial intervention. According to him, the retreat is designed to re-examine the statutory mandate of the Court; assess operational challenges; strengthen inter-agency collaboration; and develop clear strategies for expanding coverage and improving efficiency. Adekunle emphasized that the effectiveness of the Mobile Court depends not only on enforcement but also on professionalism, due process, consistency in adjudication, and respect for citizens’ rights. Also speaking at the retreat, the Chairman, Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reaffirmed the commitment of enforcement agencies to lawful, disciplined, and coordinated operations. He highlighted the importance of synergy between enforcement officers and judicial officers, noting that immediate judicial oversight through the Mobile Court reduces delays, discourages impunity, and strengthens public confidence in enforcement processes. CSP Akerele underscored the need for professionalism during arrest and arraignment procedures, improved documentation of cases, and strict compliance with established guidelines. He further emphasized that enforcement must be firm but fair, and that officers must operate within the confines of the law at all times. The retreat also examined the multi-agency framework supporting the Court, including collaboration with agencies such as the Lagos State Taskforce, LASTMA, LAWMA, FRSC, KAI, LAMATA, VIS, RRS, and other relevant State bodies. The two-day retreat is expected to produce actionable recommendations aimed at expanding coverage across Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening the integrity and effectiveness of the Special Offences (Mobile) Court.

PRESS RELEASE: JUSTICE ON WHEELS LAGOS SENSITIZES RESIDENTS ON TRAFFIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

Posted on January 31, 2026

As part of its ongoing efforts to educate members of the public on compliance with environmental and traffic laws, the Lagos State Government, through the Special Offences (Mobile) Court, on Friday, 30th January 2025, conducted a public sensitization programme at the Lagos Safety Arena and other key locations including Oshodi, Iyana Ipaja, Ojota, and Ikorodu. The sensitization exercise, themed “Justice on Wheels: Know the Law, Keep Lagos Clean, Safe and Orderly,” focused on key areas including one-way violations, misuse of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes, and obstruction of public spaces. The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, ably represented by the Director, Citizens’ Rights, Mr. Ogunsanya Jonathan, emphasized the State Government’s commitment to justice, stating that it is accessible, corrective, and people-centered. “The Mobile Court is not only an instrument of enforcement but also a vital platform for public education. Through sensitization exercises like this, we seek to prevent infractions by ensuring that citizens clearly understand their rights, responsibilities, and the consequences of violating the law,” he said. Mr. Pedro further reiterated that the Lagos State Government remains resolute in adopting lawful and humane approaches to strengthen civic responsibility and uphold the rule of law across the State. Earlier, the Coordinator of the Special Offences (Mobile) Court, Mr. Olufemi Adekunle, explained that the sensitization programme was designed to bridge the information gap between the justice system and the public. “Our goal is to reduce avoidable offences by bringing legal knowledge directly to the people. When citizens understand the law, compliance becomes easier and enforcement less necessary,” he said. Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences, CSP Adetayo Akerele, stated that environmental cleanliness and traffic discipline are central to public safety in Lagos State. He stressed that offences such as obstruction, misuse of BRT lanes, and driving against traffic undermine the State’s efforts to keep Lagos clean, safe, and orderly, urging residents to comply with existing laws for the collective good of all. The event featured interactive engagements with the public at various bus stops, distribution of fliers, and practical explanations of common offences and penalties handled by the Special Offences (Mobile) Court. Members of the public were encouraged to comply with traffic regulations, uphold environmental cleanliness, and carry out their daily activities in accordance with the law, as the Ministry of Justice remains committed to promoting a just, orderly, and law-abiding State.

Mobile Court Warns Against Flouting Traffic Laws

Posted on February 3, 2022

The Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court has warned recalcitrant motorists fond of violating the traffic laws of the State to desist or be ready to face the consequences of their actions under the Law. The Coordinator , Special Offences Mobile Court, Mrs. Arinola Ogbara gave the warning on Thursday during an awareness and sensitisation campaign to road users and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), on the need to obey the State Traffic laws. The Coordinator noted that the agency decided to embark on the sensitisation tour in order to declare a zero tolerance for violation of traffic offences and create more awareness on the dangers of driving against traffic (One Way) as well as other traffic offences stating that this will go a long way in eradicating these offences. “The mobile court has deemed it necessary to sensitise members of the public on zero tolerance for violation of traffic offences such as driving in a direction prohibited by law, driving on designated BRT Corridor and obstruction of vehicular traffic on the highway amongst others”. She noted that these traffic offences are strict liability offences and punishable under the Transport law of Lagos State 2018 while stating that the mobile courts are not out to victimise road users but to ensure that sanity prevails on the roads. “The penalty for driving against traffic (One-Way) is forfeiture under the State transport law 2018 and there is no fine for that” the coordinator warned. “Members of the public particularly road users are enjoined to desist from violating traffic laws but partner with the State Government towards ensuring the preservation of lives and properties as well as the free flow of traffic movement on the highway” Ogbara posited. The Chairman of the NURTW Lagos Chapter, Mr. Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, better known as MC Oluomo during the advocacy campaign noted that Lagos remains one of the union’s major chapters with huge membership. Adding that the NURTW under his leadership will ensure that the Statr transport union members co-operate with the State Government in order to ensure that commercial bus drivers also known as ‘Danfo Drivers’ obey the traffic laws and guidelines” “The constitution of the union stipulates that members must work with the government to ensure peaceful coexistence,” he added The union leader urged members of the union to adhere strictly to the State’s Traffic Law and whosoever goes against it will face the full wrath of the State Government and be prosecuted accordingly. The team also went around Ikeja, Agege and Oshodi visiting motor parks and advocating safe driving to commuters and drivers.