Lagos State Ministry of Justice

PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS ADVANCES JUSTICE SECTOR REFORMS WITH LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN ACCESS TO JUSTICE, ININNOVATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY

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…Ministry Deepens Transformation Through New Infrastructure, Digital Innovation, Staff Welfare and Access to Justice Initiatives The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has recorded significant milestones in justice sector reforms, infrastructure development, criminal justice administration, citizens’ rights protection, and institutional strengthening as part of activities marking the Third Year of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s Second term in office. Speaking at the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Baguda Kaltho Press Centre on the 21st of May, 2026; the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, highlighted the Ministry’s achievements across various directorates, agencies, and specialised institutions, describing the justice sector as a critical driver of economic growth, public safety, investment protection, and social stability. According to the Attorney-General, the Ministry has continued to pursue reforms aimed at building a justice system that is efficient, accessible, technology-driven, investment-friendly, and people-centred. A major milestone recorded during the review period was the commissioning of key justice infrastructure projects, including the Nigerian Police Area Command “M” Headquarters at Idimu, the new Commercial Court at Tapa, Lagos Island, and the successful renovation of the J.I.C. Taylor Courthouse destroyed during the End SARS protests. The renovated courthouse now accommodates 24 courtrooms serving both High Courts and Magistrate Courts. The State Government also commissioned newly acquired official quarters comprising 34 three-bedroom flats for Magistrates and State Counsel in Ketu, with 10 units allocated to legal officers in the Ministry, the first initiative of its kind in Lagos State. In strengthening judicial administration, the Ministry completed the Deputy Sheriff Warehouse at Majidun, Ikorodu to ensure secure management of court exhibits and attached properties, while construction works also progressed substantially on the Magistrate Court Complexes at Randle Road, Apapa, Ebute-Metta, and the Combined High Court and Magistrate Court Complex at Igando. The Ministry further disclosed that the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS), one of the State’s flagship digital justice initiatives, recorded 35,461 criminal cases within the last three years, bringing the all-time total on the platform to 84,297 criminal cases as at May 2026. The database now captures information on criminal matters across Magistrate and High Courts, including defendants granted bail, inmates in custody, ongoing trials, convictions, and related biometric records. In the area of law and order, Pedro stated that the Ministry secured a landmark judgment regulating public protests in Lagos State, restricting protests to designated locations while safeguarding the rights of other citizens and protecting public infrastructure from destruction. On property protection, the Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers received 1,628 petitions between May 2023 and April 2026, successfully concluded 221 petitions, carried out 146 inscription exercises, restored several property owners to lawful possession, and prosecuted over 25 persons for land grabbing offences across the State. The Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) handled over 20,000 cases relating to domestic violence, rape, defilement, emotional abuse, cyberbullying, and sexual harassment during the review period. The Agency also inducted over 3,000 students into the Kings and Queens Club, reintroduced the 6820# USSD support platform, launched the “Ask INU” AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot, and retained Lagos State’s position as the leading State in Nigeria in the prevention and response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence for the third consecutive year. Similarly, the Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court adjudicated 58,342 environmental and traffic-related cases between 2023 and 2026, while generating ₦155.3 Million in revenue during the period under review. The Ministry also reported that the Directorate for Citizens’ Rights received 7,993 petitions, resolved 5,759 cases, and saved the State over ₦12 Billion through successful defence and dismissal of fundamental rights enforcement actions against the State Government. The Citizens’ Mediation Bureau (CMB) continued to strengthen Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms by receiving 117,575 cases and successfully resolving 49,854 disputes across its 16 sub-offices statewide. The Bureau also recovered ₦1.49 Billion on behalf of disputing parties through mediation interventions. In advancing access to justice for vulnerable persons, the Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD) received 27,457 petitions, handled 42,050 court cases, secured 1,759 judgments, and recovered over ₦301.5 Million on behalf of indigent clients. The Bureau also rescued 262 vulnerable children and represented 2,575 children in conflict with the law. The Lagos State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking was also revitalized, leading to the inauguration of 114 Local Government Focal Persons and Neighbourhood Safety Officers, while the State hosted the first Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking involving participants from over 18 countries. On legislative reforms, the Ministry processed several landmark Bills and Executive Orders aimed at modernising governance and improving justice delivery. These include the Administration of Civil Justice Bill, proposed amendment to the Tenancy Law, Restorative Justice Bill, Protection Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Bill, and the Lagos State Parking Authority Bill. The Ministry further secured assent to several strategic laws including the Lagos State Electricity Law, Victim Assistance and Witness Protection Law, Human Organ Harvest and Tissue Transplantation Law, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, and the Lagos State Government Staff Housing Board Law. The Directorate of Public Prosecutions issued 2,342 legal advices, approved 687 plea bargain applications, filed 1,485 criminal informations, and secured 391 judgments during the period under review. The Directorate also handled several high-profile criminal matters, including the successful conviction of BRT driver Andrew Nice Ominikoron for the murder of Oluwabamise Ayanwola. The Directorate of Civil Litigation also recorded major legal victories, saving Lagos State over ₦96.6 Billion in potential liabilities through successful defence of high-value claims instituted against the Government. Similarly, the Directorate of Commercial Law generated ₦5.56 Billion in revenue for the State while supporting strategic infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership projects, including the Lagos Bus Reform Initiative, waterfront developments, renewable energy projects, and power generation agreements projected to increase electricity supply by approximately 400 megawatts within three years. Another major institutional milestone recorded during this period, was the successful creation of two additional Permanent Secretary positions within the Ministry, a First in its history. This followed the upgrade of key agencies under the Ministry into full-fledged Bureaus, a strategic reform aimed at addressing the long standing

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REJOINDER OF THE HONOURABLE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF LAGOS STATE TO ARTICLE BY OLUSEGUN ADENIYI ON “IS LAGOS STATE SHIELDING KILLERS”.

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The attention of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has been drawn to a publication titled “Is Lagos State Shielding Killers?” by Olusegun Adeniyi and published by THISDAYLIVE of 23rd April, 2025 which has now gain traction on social media. The publication references the incident of 27th August 2025 at Owode Onirin involving Inspector Manu Bala & 4 Others and where 6 traders lost their lives. The Ministry considers it necessary to correct the serious misrepresentations and unfounded insinuations contained in the publication. At the outset, the insinuation that Lagos State may be shielding Suspects connected with the unfortunate incident is entirely false, misleading, and unsupported by facts contained in the Police case file presented to the Ministry of Justice for Legal Advice. It must be observed that when violent crimes such as Owode Onirin killing are not properly investigated by the Police and no prima facie is made out against Suspects arrested they are entitled to the benefit of doubt and to be released. In the OWODE ONIRIN KILLING – Lagos Police Command has not helped the cause of justice in the matter. We hereby set the record straight. i. Following the incident of 27th August 2025 in Owode Onirin, the Nigerian PoliceForce, Lagos Command conducted investigation into the matter and subsequently forwarded the case file to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice for review and legal advice, in line with established prosecutorial procedures as sanctioned by Section 74 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, Lagos State. ii. The Ministry undertook a thorough review of all materials in the case file, includingwitness statements, statements of the suspects and other documentary evidence and came to the conclusion that there was no evidence that linked the Suspects arrested to the alleged crime. For instance, there was no statement of an eye witness in the case file to confirm that it was the Policemen that shot the deceased persons despite the fact that the incident was said to have taken place in a market. Contrary to the insinuation against the Ministry, the evidence in the case file revealed that it was the traders that attacked the Police Officers as they got to the land in dispute, dispossessed one of them Inspector Jibrin of his service rifle which a trader began to shoot. The Police Inspector was assaulted and had to be rescued by other Policemen who rushed him to nearby hospital to safe his life and for treatment of his injuries. The evidence in the Police case file also revealed that the only civilian Suspect arrested was not at the scene of the crime and his Alibi was confirmed by the police investigators. iii. In view of the sensitive nature of the matter the Ministry of Justice restrained itself from issuing a Legal Advice of no case to answer, rather a letter was written to the Police Authority on the 30th October, 2025 to conduct further investigation and provide evidence in the following areas; a. Post mortem reports of the deceased persons (Adeoye Taiwo, Akinloye Seyi, Wale Adebayo, Abraham Idowu, Dare Mufutau Salaudeen and Adeoye Akeem Aderemi)b. Ballistics Report of bullets extracted from deceased personsc. Examination report of the rifles of the officers; that is:– Insp. Manu Bala – AK47 Breech No. T22022– Insp. Ahmed Abass – AK47 Breech No. P21266– Cpl. Ibrahim Kasimu – AK47 Breech No. AG1600– Cpl. Ibrahim Garba – AK47 Breech No. ACC 2537– Rifle assigned to Insp. Jibrin iv. Meanwhile the Suspects remained in custody and their bail applications wererejected. Therefore, when after 45 days the Police Authority failed or neglected to furnish the Ministry with the outcome of its further investigation or evidence to link the Suspects to the crime, a reminder letter dated 17th December, 2025 was forwarded to the Police Authority. v. It was about 6 months after the incarceration of the Suspects and the Ministry didnot receive any response from the Police Authority on further investigation as requested that the Ministry issued Legal Advice LJP/HOM/2025/125/20 to the dated 3rd March, 2026 based on available facts contained in the duplicate case file to the effect that no prima facie case has been disclosed against the Suspects for the offence of Conspiracy to commit a felony or Involuntary Manslaughter contrary to Sections 411 and 224 of the Criminal Law Ch. C17 Vol. 3 Laws of Lagos State, 2011 and any charge against them be withdrawn. However, in concluding the Legal Advice it was clearly stated that the duplicate case file is retained and in the event that any evidence is discovered linking any of the Suspects to the crime, the Ministry shall not hesitate to prosecute the Suspects as there is no time bar for criminal prosecution. vi. It was after the Legal Advice was issued and served that the Police Authoritydeemed it fit to forward provisional Post Mortem Reports and Ballistic Reports to the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Ministry. The documents are being reviewed to enable the office issue comprehensive Supplementary Legal Advice devoid of emotions and sentiments. The decision not to prosecute, where evidence is insufficient, is not an act of protection—it is a constitutional and ethical obligation imposed on the Attorney-General to prevent wrongful prosecution and to uphold the integrity of the justice system. vii. Justice is not a One-Way but a Three Way Traffic –justice to the victim, justice tothe suspect and justice to the public. May we not see the day when a Justice Department will act on assumptions, suspicion, emotion or bias of the Police and not Prima Facie evidence to approve or commence prosecution of any suspect in this State or any State in Nigeria. Lagos State remains resolve in ensuring that justice is served in all cases and to all parties involved, without fear or favour. CONCLUSIONIn the light of the above, the Ministry is curious of the purpose and intent of the Police narratives to the Press on this matter. We believe that misrepresentation, misinformation and suppression of material facts in this

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LAGOS AG RECEIVES ECAPI ANTI-CRIME GRAND PATRON AWARD, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO STRATEGIC COLLABORATION

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The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has reaffirmed the Lagos State Ministry of Justice’s commitment to strengthening strategic collaboration with relevant stakeholders in crime prevention and public safety. Mr. Pedro gave this assurance on Thursday, 2nd April 2026, while receiving the ECAPI Anti-Crime Grand Patron Award from the Eagle Crime Awareness & Prevention Initiative (ECAPI) during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Justice Conference Room, Alausa, Ikeja. The Attorney General expressed appreciation for the recognition, noting that partnerships with civil society organisations remain critical to advancing public awareness, improving access to justice, and enhancing community-based crime approaches to tackling crime. Pedro reiterated the Ministry’s openness to strategic collaborations that will further strengthen the justice system and promote a safer Lagos. Presenting the award, the President and Founder of ECAPI, Amb. Samuel Adam, stated that the honour was conferred in recognition of the Attorney General’s exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment to justice sector reforms, and significant contributions to crime prevention and public safety. He commended Mr. Pedro’s impactful leadership and assured the Ministry of the organisation’s readiness to collaborate in furtherance of shared objectives in crime prevention and public enlightenment.

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PRESS RELEASE – LAGOS FREES 43 INMATES, INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO DECONGEST AND IMPROVE FACILITIES IN CORRECTIONAL CENTRES

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The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has approved the release of Forty-three (43) inmates from correctional centres across the State as part of ongoing efforts to decongest custodial centres and reform the criminal justice system. It would be recall that few months ago in December 2025, ninety-one (91) inmates were also released from the custodial centres. The decision to release inmates who were yet to complete their terms was taken pursuant to the power of prerogative of mercy, conferred on the Governor in Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The released inmates were duly recommended by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy in accordance with established legal and administrative guidelines. The exercise reflects the State Government’s unwavering commitment to upholding justice, fairness and the rule of law, alongside improving conditions within correctional centres by proactively addressing the challenges of overcrowding in custodial centres in Lagos State and ease of mobility of inmates to and from court for speedy trial. In furtherance of this commitment, the Lagos State Government had, in the preceding year, procured and delivered two (2) coaster buses to the Correctional Service to facilitate the timely and secure transportation of inmates to courts. This intervention is designed to enhance the efficiency of criminal trials and reduce delays associated with inmate logistics. In addition, the Government has embarked on the renovation and upgrade of some of the buildings in the correctional centres across the State, thereby strengthening custodial infrastructure. In light of the current Nigeria constitutional provisions, placing custodial and correctional services in the Concurrent Legislative List, it will not be out of place for the Federal Government to direct the Nigeria Correctional Services to transfer the control and management of one of the Correctional centres in Lagos State where the majority of inmates are offenders of State Laws, to Lagos State Government to address the challenges of weak oversight, inadequate funding, lack of transparency and overcrowding in the present Nigerian Correctional Facilities. Lagos State remains resolute in its commitment to justice sector reforms and will continue to implement measures that ensure a balanced approach between victims right to justice, public safety, offenders’ rehabilitation and the protection of fundamental human rights. Lawal Pedro, SANHonourable Attorney-General andCommissioner for Justice, Lagos StateIst April,2026

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PRESS STATEMENT: CLARIFICATION ON LEGALITY OF LAGOS STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION SERVICE (VIS) OFFICERS ON LAGOS ROADS VIS -A -VIS JUDGMENT OF THE COURT OF APPEAL, ABUJA DIVISION ON POWER OF VIO ON ROADS IN FCT ABUJA

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The attention of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has been drawn to a viral report of misrepresentation of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division which affirmed the judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja on the illegality of VIO activities of impounding or confiscating vehicles and/or imposing fines on motorists in FCT Abuja. It would be recalled that sometime last year 2025, Justice Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court had in a judgment in a fundamental rights enforcement suit held that the Respondents in the case which included the Director of Road Transport; the Team Leader, the Area Commander Jabi; as well as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound or confiscate vehicles and/or impose fines on motorists. The Judge therefore issued an order restraining the VIO from impounding or confiscating vehicles of motorists and or imposing fines on drivers. It is important to understand that the Honorable Judge of the FHC and Justices of the Court of Appeal premised their decision on absence of statutory power conferred on the Respondents (Appellants in the court of Appeal) to stop, impound or confiscate vehicles and/or impose fines on motorists on roads in FCT Abuja. The Lagos State Government acknowledged that the said Courts’ judgments and the restraining orders made are valid in law and binding, but wishes to make the following clarification for the benefit of the public particularly in Lagos State. a. The Judgment though binding is not of general application or of nationwide effectin Nigeria. b. That only parties to the suit and any State that has no statute on VIO like FCTAbuja are bound by the judgments. c. Nigeria operates a federal system of government with clear legislative powersdonated by the Constitution to the Federal and State Governments. d. Vehicle inspections and traffic management are part of the Residual subjects forState governments Unlike the FCT Abuja, Lagos State has a Statute on VIO in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law. Section 12(1) of the law vests The STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION SERVICE (VIS) the powers among others of; (a) inspecting, regulating and ensuring the roadworthiness of motor vehicles in theState; (b) pre-registration inspection of vehicles; (c) inspection and issuance of Road Worthiness Certificate (RWC) in respect of all vehicles; (d) cooperating with other agencies to enforce traffic rules and regulations; Section 23(1) of the same law prescribed ticket for fines payable by offenders under the law. The fine shall be paid either on the spot if it is imposed by a mobile court or within forty – eight (48) hours upon issuance of the ticket by an authorized officer. On default of payment a formal charge shall be proffered against the offender in the Magistrate Court or Mobile Court and he/she shall be given the opportunity to defend himself. The suspect/offender is also at liberty to challenge the validity of the ticket in a court of law. The process and procedure of enforcement of power of the VIS officers on Lagos roads are in accordance with the law and not unlawful or unconstitutional. Members of the public are therefore advised not to be misled by the misrepresentation of the judgements of both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal and to cooperate with Lagos State VIS officers on Lagos roads to avoid sanctions with its attendance consequences. The Lagos State Government will continue to ensure that all transport and traffic enforcement activities on Lagos roads are conducted strictly in accordance with the laws and Regulations, with civility, decorum and respect to road users. Therefore, any motorist on Lagos roads who disobeys or assaults a VIS officer in Lagos State in the course of performance of his statutory duty will be subject to arrest and prosecution by this Ministry. Mr. Lawal Pedro, SANHonourable Attorney General andCommissioner for Justice, Lagos State.

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

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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.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS STATE DEEPENS JUSTICE SECTOR REFORMS, IMPROVES ACCESS TO JUSTICE – ATTORNEY GENERAL

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The Honorable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, has reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Lagos State Government to deepening justice sector reforms, improving access to justice, and strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice across the State. The Attorney-General made this known during a media chat with Judicial Correspondents and Editors on Tuesday 10th February, 2026 at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), complex,Ikeja,where he provided comprehensive insights into key reforms and policy interventions being implemented by the Ministry of Justice. According to him, the Ministry has recorded notable improvements in case tracking mechanisms, plea bargaining processes, and the use of the Prerogative of Mercy as a strategic tool to address congestion in correctional centres across Lagos State. “We have strengthened our internal systems to ensure better case monitoring, faster resolution of matters, and more efficient prosecution processes. These reforms are deliberate and targeted at delivering timely and credible justice,” the Attorney-General stated. Pedro described the Lagos State Justice Summit held in 2024 as a major turnaround moment for the justice sector, noting that resolutions from the summit have significantly influenced recent reforms and policy directions within the Ministry. One of such outcomes, he explained, is the Administration of Civil Justice Bill, which has been passed and awaiting legislative process at the Lagos State House of Assembly. When implemented, the law will ensure that civil cases are concluded within 12 to 18 months, while tenant–landlord disputes will be resolved within three to six months, thereby reducing delays and improving access to justice for residents. The Attorney-General also highlighted the Ministry’s sustained focus on access to justice, particularly for indigent and vulnerable persons, through key institutions including the Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD), the Citizens’ Mediation Bureau (CMB), the Directorate for Citizens’ Rights, and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA). He noted that these agencies continue to play critical roles in dispute resolution, human rights protection, victim support, and public legal education across the State. On institutional collaboration, the AG emphasized the strong working relationship between the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary, noting that regular engagements and idea-sharing have helped to improve efficiency and policy alignment within the justice delivery system. Addressing welfare and infrastructure, he disclosed that staff quarters have been constructed for magistrates, with assurances that more are underway in line with the Governor’s commitment to improving judicial welfare and independence. He further revealed that correctional centres across Lagos State are currently undergoing renovation, as part of ongoing efforts to improve conditions for inmates and enhance security and rehabilitation outcomes. In addition, Pedro announced that the Governor recently approved the provision of purpose-built buses for the safe and dignified transportation of inmates to and from court proceedings, a move aimed at strengthening security and improving the administration of criminal justice. While addressing topical legal issues currently in the public space, the Attorney-General stressed that the Lagos State Government remains guided strictly by the rule of law and due process, urging the public to allow legal matters to run their full course. He also called on the media to deepen its partnership with the Government by doing more to project the activities of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, enlighten the public on justice sector reforms, and promote accurate and responsible reportage in the interest of good governance. “The media remains a critical partner in public enlightenment and in building trust between government and the people. We urge continued collaboration in telling the true story of justice reforms in Lagos State,” he added. The media chat concluded with a reaffirmation of the Ministry’s commitment to continuous reform, stakeholder engagement, and the delivery of a justice system anchored on efficiency, fairness, and accountability.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS MOJ HOSTS KANO STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO UNDERSTUDY MINISTRY’S STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS

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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Friday 6th of February, 2026 hosted the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kano State, Barr. Abdukarim Kabiru-Maude SAN, and his delegates on a courtesy and technical visit to understudy the Ministry’s structure, operations, and institutional framework at its Conference Room, Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja. Welcoming the delegation, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, described the visit as a strategic platform for knowledge sharing and peer learning, noting that Lagos State remains committed to supporting justice sector reforms through openness, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices. Representing the Attorney-General, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, gave a detailed overview of the Ministry’s departments, units, and agencies, outlining their respective roles and functions. He highlighted the operational structure, coordination mechanisms, and ongoing reforms designed to enhance efficiency and effective service delivery, stressing that continuous innovation and capacity building are central to the Ministry’s mandate. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kano State, Barr. Abdulkarim Kabiru-Maude SAN, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and professionalism of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. He noted that the visit was informed by Lagos State’s reputation as a leading authority in justice sector administration, adding that the delegation was keen to understudy its institutional processes, policy execution strategies, and service delivery models. He further affirmed Kano State’s commitment to strengthening its justice system through strategic partnerships and sustained engagement, noting that lessons drawn from the visit would support ongoing reforms and institutional development in the state. During her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary Citizen Mediation Bureau, Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju, expressed appreciation to the Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, for his leadership and support, as well as the visiting delegation led by the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Kano State for the fruitful engagement and knowledge-sharing session. Olanrewaju noted that the visit further reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to collaboration and institutional learning, adding that Lagos State remains open to sustained partnerships with sister states aimed at strengthening justice sector administration and service delivery nationwide. The visit featured interactive sessions, presentations, and engagements with key departments of the Ministry, bolstering a shared commitment to collaboration, capacity enhancement, and effective justice delivery.

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LAGOS MOJ HOSTS CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ON KNOWLEDGE-SHARING COLLABORATION.

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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Monday, 2nd of February, 2026, hosted a delegation from the Department of Justice, Canada, led by Co-Director of Canada-Nigeria Justice Cooperation Project, Genevieve Westrope; on an official visit aimed at deepening understanding of the Ministry’s mandate, institutional framework, and key initiatives within the criminal justice system. The visit formed part of an international knowledge-sharing engagement focused on criminal offences and prosecution processes, with particular emphasis on gender-based violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. In his address, the Lagos Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, thanked the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering support of the justice sector and for providing the enabling environment required for institutional growth, reform, and effective prosecution of criminal offences. He spoke extensively on the Ministry’s role in the prosecution of criminal matters, highlighting its sustained efforts in combating gender-based violence, protecting children from abuse, and addressing human trafficking through coordinated legal and institutional responses. Pedro emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, capacity building, and victim-centred approaches in achieving justice outcomes that are fair, timely, and impactful. He also acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for its critical role in facilitating the visit, noting that its partnership and advocacy were central to the Department of Justice, Canada’s engagement with Lagos State. According to him, such collaboration underscores the value of collective action in addressing crimes that disproportionately affect women, children and the vulnerable. Welcoming the delegation earlier, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, gave an overview of the Ministry’s structure, core responsibilities, and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening justice delivery in Lagos State. Oyenuga expressed delight at the visit, describing it as an important opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build mutual understanding between both jurisdictions. The Permanent Secretary noted that the Ministry remains committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration in the administration of justice. Co-Director of Canada-Nigeria Justice Cooperation Project, Genevieve Westrope; expressed appreciation for the warm reception, noting that prior to the visit, the delegation had been informed in Abuja that Lagos State is a leading authority in the justice sector and a jurisdiction that clearly understands and effectively executes its justice mandate. She commended the Ministry’s commitment to justice sector reform, inter-agency collaboration, and the protection of vulnerable groups, and acknowledged the openness and professionalism demonstrated throughout the engagement. The interactive session allowed for robust discussions on prosecutorial practices, legal safeguards, policy frameworks, and enforcement challenges, while also exploring opportunities for future cooperation and learning. The event, held at Zen Garden, Isaac John, Lagos, underscored the Lagos State Ministry of Justice’s commitment to institutional learning, strategic partnerships, and the strengthening of the criminal justice system, while reaffirming its dedication to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and ensuring justice for all residents of Lagos State.

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PRESS RELEASE – MOJ REWARDS OUTSTANDING OFFICERS, CELEBRATES RETIREES

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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice (MOJ) on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, rewarded outstanding officers who demonstrated exceptional commitment and diligence in the discharge of their duties throughout the year. The ceremony, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, also featured a special celebration of members of staff who retired meritoriously from the service of the State. Speaking at the Ministry’s Year 2025 Merit Awards and End-of-Year Ceremony, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, commended the award recipients and all members of staff for their unwavering dedication to duty. He noted that the Ministry’s effective leadership and recorded successes are a product of collective effort, teamwork, and collaboration among staff across departments, units, and agencies. According to the Attorney-General, the relative peace, orderliness, and safety currently enjoyed in Lagos State are largely attributable to the diligence and professionalism of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, legislative drafters, and other justice sector stakeholders. Mr. Pedro charged staff to continually evaluate their performance, make necessary improvements where required, and strive for higher standards of excellence in the coming year. He congratulated the award winners and urged them to sustain their commitment to excellence, stressing that only the best is acceptable in service to the people of Lagos State. The Attorney-General also celebrated the retiring officers for their years of dedicated and meritorious service, describing their contributions to the Ministry and the State as invaluable and worthy of recognition. In his remarks, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, expressed delight at the impressive turnout of staff, noting that the merit awards serve as a morale booster and a catalyst for enhanced productivity. He congratulated the award recipients and encouraged them to put in even greater effort in the year ahead, adding that the reward for hard work is more work. Mr. Oyenuga also paid glowing tribute to the retirees, applauding their dedication and the lasting legacy of service they leave behind. Awards were presented in both senior and junior categories, with winners emerging from various departments, units, and agencies within the Ministry.

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