Lagos State Ministry of Justice

Committed to bringing justice to your doorstep

Mrs Titilayo Shitta-Bey

PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS OFFERS FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION TO ALIMOSHO RESIDENTS

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Concluding the Statewide Legal Clinic to different geographical areas of the State, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Wednesday provided free legal consultation to the residents of Alimosho area and its environs at the Alimosho Local Government Secretariat. Lagos Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary ,Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje in her welcome address stated that the Joint legal clinic is an effort to have a one-stop-shop for legal advice for the residents of the State. Shitta Bey-Jeje ably represented by the Director Citizens Mediation Centre,Mrs Biola Oseni added that the Joint Legal Clinic team encompasses all legal cum Mediation services rendering directorates in the ministry which are; Office of Public Defender (OPD), Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC), Public Advice Centre (PAC); Community Service Unit, Witness Support Unit, Office of the Administrator-General & Public Trustee ,DPP(Plea Bargain ) and the Directorate of Citizens Rights (DCR). The Solicitor General said that the free legal clinic is in accordance with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s “T.H.E.M.E.S” Agenda of “Security and Governance” to ensure easy accessibility of legal services to all residents of the state. Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje stressed that the legal clinic is held yearly in the 5 divisions of the State to bring legal consultation closer to the people while sensitizing the residents on their rights in accordance with the rule of law and the availability of free legal centres across the State .7 She however urged Alimosho residents to support the State Government’s dream of building a crime-free State with respect for the law and fundamental basic human rights. In his words, The Chairman Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Jelili Sulaimon opined that one of the best ways to promote peace in any community is to have the people come together under one umbrella through sensitization and awareness programmes. Hon. Jelili urged residents of Alimosho to continuously be law-abiding citizens of the State as this will aid development in the community and its environs. While acknowledging the efforts of the State Government, Solicitor General, Ministry of Justice and its Agencies, he noted that his office will continue to promote peace and harmony within Alimosho area and its environs. A resident of Alimosho, Yetunde Olayiwola, expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government and Ministry of Justice for hosting the Joint Legal Clinic in the community, saying it has widened her knowledge on some of the laws of Lagos State and her basic rights as a citizen. She implored other residents to take advantage of the Free Legal services rendered by the Ministry of Justice instead of resorting to self-help. Other attendees present includes Notable Rulers, Lawyers and Staff of Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Local Government Officials, Police Officers, Market traders and Alimosho Residents.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS CELEBRATES WORLD HUMAN RIGHTS DAY.

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Lagos State Government has said that it will not relent in its effort to protect human dignity, promote freedom and ensure justice for all in the State. The Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey made this declaration on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the World Human Rights Day 2022, organized by the State Directorate for Citizens Rights under the Ministry of Justice, themed: “Dignity, Freedom and Justice For All” held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Secretariat. In her welcome address, Shitta-Bey noted that the event couldn’t hold in December 2022, due to early vacation of schools, adding that the Ministry of Justice has continued to sensitize the public about their fundamental human rights through its various agencies. “The Lagos State Government has invariably ensured 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 addressed.” “Furthermore, the goal that every human being should have full enjoyment of their human rights implies that nobody should suffer violations of those rights. The prevention of human rights violations is therefore a key part of the State Government’s effort to protect and promote human rights for all”. she said. The Chief Registrar of Lagos State High Court, Mr. T.A Elias, during his presentation said that all children, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances may be, have the right to be protected, nurtured and free from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, maltreatment and exploitation. “The Judiciary collaborates with relevant stakeholders across the State to safeguard the right of the Lagos Child while ensuring the prevention of a breach of the Child’s Rights Law and any person (s) found to have violated any of these rights will be prosecuted accordingly.” 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 the students and  participants at the program to report any form of human rights abuse to the Ministry of Justice, Directorates for Citizens Rights even if it involves family, friends or loved ones..

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MOJ Rewards Outstanding Officers

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The Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Thursday rewarded outstanding officers who have shown commitment and diligence at their duty post during the course of the year. The award cuts across all the departments,agencies and units under the Ministry of Justice. The honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (S.A.N), in his address at the ministry’s Y2022 merit award and end of year ceremony, commended the outstanding officers and members of staff for their efforts all through the year, noting that the management staff cannot work efficiently without the support of other staff members. “We appreciate all efforts to ensure the ministry runs smoothly, the Permanent Secretary  and I can’t do this without you and as we go to war against citizens that break the law of Lagos State, when we turn back and see the formidable team from all the departments and agencies, we are sure of winning the war”. Furthermore, he stated that the sanity and safety that the State is benefitting right now is due to the diligence exhibited by law enforcement officers, prosecutors and drafters amongst others in the State. “Lagos is the safest state in Nigeria simply because of the work that you all have done. The assiduousness displayed by all is one of the reasons why Lagos State still enjoys relative safety which has resulted to a large influx of people. It’s because of the work you do in enforcement, prosecuting crimes, defending the State against frivolous cases and in drafting laws that ensures the state achieves its potential as a 21st century State”. The Commissioner  however charged members of staff to self access themselves and make necessary adjustments where they are found wanting while making efforts to be better at their duty post next year. He commended the winners of this year’s prize for their efforts while charging them not to relent  on their oars, noting that only excellence is good for residents of Lagos State while a lot is expected from the Ministry of Justice next year and beyond. He also enjoined those that didn’t win not to give up in their pursuit of excellence.  Onigbanjo concluded by wishing members of Staff a Merry Christmas and prosperous new year in good health. The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey expressed delight seeing members of staff looking radiant and colorful. She noted that the award is necessary to serve as a morale booster for members of staff to be able to do more. She congratulated the winners while urging them to put in extra efforts next year noting that the reward for hard work is more work. There were various awards in different categories with winners emerging from departments in the ministry as well as agencies including Office of the Public Defender(OPD), Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Citizen Mediation Centre (CMC), Mobile court amongst others.

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PRESS STATEMENT

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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    

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ACJMC to Understudy Lagos Restorative Justice System

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The Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Federal, recently visited the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to understudy the Lagos Restorative Justice System (RJC) at the State’s Secretariat, Alausa. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 3day meeting,Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN ably represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-bey noted that the Lagos State Restorative Justice Programme is the brain-child of the Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committee aimed at improving the Criminal Justice delivery system by taking minor offences and misdemeanors off the dockets of the criminal courts. Onigbanjo added that a Restorative Justice Sterering Committee was set up in 2017 to organize trainings for volunteer restorative justice members  and facilitators who will conduct victim/offender mediation and make appropriate recommendations as to how these cases will be resolved amicably. The Attorney General assured participants that the programme will take everyone through the Legal Framework of the Committee and the inter-relationship between the Police and the Office of the DPP in Restorative Justice Process. The Coordinator, Lagos Restorative Justice Centre, Mrs. Adenike Oluwafemi expressed gratitude to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary and the ACJMC team led by the Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulayman Dawodu for the success of the program and looked forward to the establishment of the Restorative Justice Centre in the FCT, Abuja.

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TurnAlausaPurple Campaign Awareness

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The State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) today continued its #TurnAlausaPurple campaign awareness to the Ministry of Justice as part of the agency’s activities to commemorate the month long awareness campaign themed “IT’S ON US”. The Attorney General and Chairman Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) 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. Mr Onigbanjo stressed that the team “IT’S ON US” 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 and basically a collaboration of all members of the society .

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Lagos Presents E-Laws Platform

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In a bid to ensure quick dispensation of justice as well as easy access to justice the Lagos State Government through the State Ministry of Justice in partnership with LawPavilion business solutions, a technology solutions provider engaged in the business of publishing judicial authorities, cases and laws has announced the Lagos State E-laws platform. The E-laws of Lagos State is an electronic library of the laws and annotated law of the state. This is the first electronic collection of a state law in the country. In his welcome address at the presentation on Wednesday at the Ministry’s conference room, the Lagos State Attorney-general and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN noted that since the commencement of the present administration, the justice sector in Lagos State has experienced the implementation of programmes aimed at giving the people of Lagos greater access to justice through dynamic law reforms and adherence to the rule of law. Onigbanjo stated that the importance of creating awareness of the laws passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly cannot be over emphasised hence the partnership between the Ministry of Justice and LawPavilion to publish the laws of the state in electronic format for easy access. “The State in its bid for continued effective and efficient administration of justice, through the Law Reform Commission, an agency of Government charged with the responsibility of publishing the laws of Lagos state and other state legislations in electronic and print copies enters into an agreement with LawPavilion Business Solutions” The agreement according to the attorney general is for annotation of the laws of Lagos State and conversion of the laws on agreed texts and format for publication on the LawPavilion electronic platform. The attorney general noted that one of the advantages of the initiative is that the e-publishing of the laws will provide ease of doing business as investors and other interested persons will now have access to all the laws to Lagos State at a glance while reducing the difficulties that are often associated with physical purchase of law and the wear and tear associated with the hard copies. “This means that the annotated laws of Lagos State are available to the public and particularly to lawyers all over the world, I therefore welcome you to a world of easy access to the robust laws of Lagos State”. The Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey in her address thanked the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support towards easy access to justice and quick dispensation of justice. She noted this couldn’t have been achieved without the support of Mr. Governor while thanking the law reform commission for a thorough job while noting that the E-law of Lagos State will in no small measure bring the administration of Justice in Lagos State in line with international best practices, which encourages technology as a major driver of legal initiatives. The Managing Director, LawPavillion, Mr. Ope Olugasa noted that it is an epoch-making event stating that it is the first of its kind by any state in Nigeria. He stated that the initiative is in line with the current reality of the new normal. Olugasa further noted that the E-law will make it easy for judges and legal practitioners to have access to the complete and updated law of Lagos State. He stated that those who want access to the laws have the option of either an outright purchase for a token of the entire laws or an annual subscription through the LawPavillion platform.

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Lagos Government Releases 21 Inmates

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Lagos State Government through the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy on Tuesday, released 21 inmates from various correctional facilities in the State. The exercise is pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution (amended) which empowers the Governor to exercise Prerogative of Mercy Lagos Attorney and Commissioner Of Justice,Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, who was represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-bey, disclosed this at the ministry’s conference room  while handing over the Order for the release of the inmates signed by MR Governor,Olusola Sanwo-Olu to the Correctional Service Authorities.. Onigbanjo said that the release of the inmates was in line with the commitment of the present administration in the State to Justice Sector Reforms through decongestion of the Correctional facilities. “This exercise will offer a second chance to the inmates in hopes that they will change their ways and be re-absolved seamlessly into the society”. In his remarks, Deputy Controller of Prisons, Lagos Command, A.O Aremu commended the State Governor for his efforts at de-congesting prisons across the State noting that the kind gesture will bestow succor and hope to the  beneficiaries.

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Lagos Sensitises Badagry Residents on Land Grabbing Laws

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In an effort to rid the state of the menace of land grabbers and ensure that those found culpable of the crime are prosecuted, the State Government on Thursday organised a stakeholders forum for residents  of Badagry Division The stakeholders meeting organised by the Ministry of Justice and the State Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers is to inundate the residents of the Lagos State Taskforce on Land Grabbers Law, 2016. The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (S.A.N) disclosed that the meeting is to intimate stakeholders on the Law and how it protects the rights of land owners, communities and indeed the State from the activities of Land Grabbers. Onigbanjo, who was represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary in the State’s Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey noted that the State is leaving no stone unturned to educate Lagosians on the negative effects of land grabbing as this has led to the break down of law and order, economic instability amongst others. The Commissioners further disclosed that the Ministry is working with relevant agencies of government for proper implementation of the Land Grabbers Law, 2016 so as to nip the menace in the bud. The Attorney-General however charged traditional rulers, whom he described as custodians of customary lands to move against the activities of Land Grabbers in their domains, while also sensitisiting the youths and other members of their Communities on government efforts on Land Grabbing. He warned that the State Government will not tolerate the activities of Land Grabbers in the State, noting that the Land Grabbers Law 2016 has provisions to punish offenders with  up to ten years imprisonment and a fine up to the sum of five million naira or both. Also speaking, Coordinator, Lagos State Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers, Mr. Owolabi Arole said it is imperative to brainstorm with major Stakeholders on indigenous ideas to nip the activities of Land Grabbers in the bud. According to Arole, most land grabbers are often not indigents of the State, but unscrupulous elements who have found means of creating mayhem and to this end ,his Agency will not rest on its oars until  it rid the state of land grabbing activities. On his part, the lawmaker representing Ojo Constituency 2, Olatunji Tijani said there is a clear line between Land Grabbers and Land Owners, adding that the menace of land grabbing is a result of lack of partnership among stakeholders and the never ending rot in the system. The Aladi ,Onijanikin of Ijanikin Kingdom,Oba Dr Momodu Afolabi Asafa clamoured for unity among traditionals rulers in the domain adding that land matters  should not cause disaffection and disunity among residents Stakeholders at the sensitisation exercise who were drawn from various parts of the Lagos West Senatorial District called for more synergy between government, law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to further stamp out the activities of Land Grabbers in the State. The stakeholders also attribute the rise in land grabbing activities to greed and illiteracy. The event with the theme; ‘’Land Grabbers, the Law and Your Rights’’ had in attendance law makers, judicial officials, traditional rulers, security personnel, representatives of religious bodies, land owners, residents amongst others.

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Be Good Ambassadors – Commissioner

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The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN has urged the newly appointed High  Court Judges from the State Ministry of Justice to be efficient in the discharge of their duties and be good ambassadors of the Ministry of Justice. The Attorney-General stated this during a reception in honour  of the 5 newly appointed judges held on Tuesday at the Ministry’s Conference room. He expressed joy and satisfaction noting that the 5 newly appointed judges are one of the best hands in the Ministry stating that their elevation is a testament to the caliber of State counsel in the employ of the State. He further stated that this shows the passion that the administration of Mr Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has towards the development of lawyers in the employ of the State while reiterating that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice is the largest law firm in Africa. Onigbanjo therefore charged the High Court  Judges to dispense justice according to the dictates of the law and in good conscience stating that they are representative of God on earth. “If anybody can say apart from clergymen, you are also a true representative of God on earth because you hold the power of life and death over people. It’s not only in a criminal trial when you sentence someone to death by hanging but by mere decisions which could mean life and death to the person” He however prayed for wisdom, knowledge and understanding for the judges as they carry out their responsibilities while praying further that as they have distinguished themselves in the Ministry  of Justice, God will guide them through to write their name in gold in the State Judiciary. In her closing remarks the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey congratulated the newly appointed judges on their elevation to the bench urging them to uphold the tenets of justice while thanking them for honouring the Ministry’s invitation. She went further to state that their elevation to the bench will serve as motivation to State counsel aspire to go to the bench noting that it comes with hardwork and dedication. She encouraged them to tarry on with perseverance and diligence to duty. The High court judges expressed their gratitude for the reception promising to uphold the tenet of justice to the best of their ability and that they will continue to be good ambassadors of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. In attendance were  Hon.Justice Adenrera Olayinka Adeyemi, Hon.Justice Oluwatoyin Atinuke Odusanya,Hon.Justice Akinkunmi Olusegun Idowu ,Hon.Justice Mujibat Iyabode Oshodi,Hon Justice Muyibat Mosunmola Balogun,family members and well wishers.

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