Onigbanjo – Page 2 – Lagos State Ministry of Justice

Commissioner for Justice Receives New Controller of Correctional Services, Lagos Command

Posted on August 12, 2022

In a bid to foster synergy in advancing administration of criminal justice in Lagos State, the new Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Services, Lagos Command, Controller B.R Freedman and his team on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (S.A.N) in his office at the Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja. Onigbanjo congratulated the new controller on his deployment to Lagos State wishing him the best in his effort to aid speedy dispensation of justice across all correctional facilities in the State. The Attorney General went further to pledge the commitment of the State Government towards sustaining the existing relationship with the command for speedy dispensation of justice. “I appreciate you for the visit as well as request that it will be a frequent one as it will assist both establishments to sort out bottlenecks regarding the speedy dispensation of justice. “Our close working relationship will further lead to the decongestion of the custodial centres in the state,” He noted. Controller B.R Freedman stated that he strongly believes that greater and close synergy among stakeholders in the criminal justice delivery system is key to a robust and speedy trials for inmates. “It is clear that no one stakeholder in the justice delivery system can function alone. We need each other to succeed,” he said. He also noted that through the instrument of plea bargain, there will be further decongestion of correctional facilities which is one of the major challenge facing the justice system. The familiarisation tour is part of the new Controller’s visit to important personalities, relevant agencies and strategic partners in the state.

Lagos Attorney General,MOJ Staff Celebrates Retiring Directors

Posted on August 11, 2022

The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice ,Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo,SAN on Tuesday commended Mr. Dawodu Oladehinde, Past Director Public Advice Center (PAC) and Mr. Bajulaiye Adegboyega, former Executive Secretary and head of Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) ,Magodo for their excellent and meritorious service to the State after attaining the statutory retirement age and 35years in Service respectively Speaking during the last day in office ceremony organised by the Ministry at the ministry’s conference room at Alausa Ikeja,the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) showered praises on the retirees for their dedication, commitment, and excellent service to the State Government. In his words: “Mr Dawodu and Mr Bajulaiye have given their best to the ministry, it is befitting that we organize this celebration to honour them and to usher them into the next phase of their lives”. The commissioner commended Mr. Dawodu for playing a prominent role in transforming the Lagos State Public Advice Center (PAC) where he served as its director before his retirement while describing him as a perfect gentleman. Onigbanjo described the retired director of LETI, Mr. Bajulaiye Adegboyega as a pace setter being the pioneer head of the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch which has been replicated in many states. While also commending him for the training of the State’s Law Enforcement Officers. He urged the retirees not to relent whenever their services are required by the State Government while enjoining the staff present at the program to emulate and learn from the exemplary behaviour and dedication of the retirees. In his welcome address,the Acting Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Saheed Quadri represented by the Director of Civil Litigation, Mr. Hammed Oyenuga commended the retirees for leaving an indelible mark noting that they were excellent and meticulous legal officers. He expressed appreciation to the retirees for their loyalty, commitment, perseverance, dedication and untold sacrifices through the years, while acknowledging their support towards the junior officers in the ministry and wishing them good health as they begin another chapter in their endeavours. The Permanent Secretary, Judicial Service Commission, Mrs Olubukola Salami thanked and rejoiced with both retirees for their excellent service to the State Government and especially their families for giving them tremendous support throughout their years in the civil service. Delivering his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Kamal Olowoshago prayed for good health and success for the retirees stating that better days lay ahead for them. Other directors in attendance eulogised the excellent leadership qualities of Messers Dawodu and Bajulaiye noting their conduct as exemplary and worthy of emulation by other staff while also prayed for Gods blessings and guidance in the new chapter of their lives. In their responses, the retirees thanked the Lagos State Government and the ministry for the opportunity to serve, while showing gratitude for the impressive retirement party on their behalf .They expressed their readiness to return the kind gesture of government by making themselves available to serve or assist in whatever capacity whenever they are called upon to do so. The ceremony also had in attendance, lawyers, family members, friends and other members of staff in the ministry.

PRESS RELEASE: RESPONSE TO FALSE ALLEGATIONS CONTAINED IN PRESS CONFERENCE OF ONE MR. LAI OMOTOLA

Posted on June 21, 2022

Our attention has been drawn to several online publications, more particularly, a publication contained in the Punch Newspaper of June 15, 2022, titled “LAGOS AG accused of filing charges with forged documents, Onigbanjo denies claim. The reports revealed that one Mr. Lai Omotola at a press conference held on Monday June 13 2022, stated that the Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice Lagos State collaborated with the Police to forge and relied on forged documents to initiate criminal proceedings against him at the High Court of Lagos State. The allegations are unfounded, false and a calculated attempt to manipulate and evade prosecution. The following represents the facts in this matter: 1. The Task Force on Land Grabbers “Task Force” received a petition dated 25/06/19 initially accusing one Mr. Fatai Okesiji of land grabbing, illegal encroachment and forcefully taking over possession of a land situate at No 63 Iju Road, Agege. By subsequent petition on the same land dated 28/9/19, the petitioners alleged that Mr. Lai Omotola of Master Reality International Concepts Ltd and Mr. Fatai Okesiji were the ones who illegally grabbed their land. 2. After investigating the allegations contained in the above petitions, the Task Force found merit in the petition and restored the petitioner (Estate of Moshood Aremu Olatokunbo) into possession having discovered that Mr. Lai Omotola and Mr. Fatai Okesiji forcefully took over possession of the land contrary to the provisions of the Lagos State Property Protection Law, 2016. 3. Having been dispossessed of a land which did not belong to him, Mr Lai Omotola proceeded to make verbal accusations of corruption against the Coordinator of the Task Force (Mr Arole). Mr Omotola was then informed through his lawyer to put his accusations in writing to enable investigation. 4. On 2/02/20 and 19/02/20, Mr Lai Omotola petitioned the Hon. Attorney General’s Office and a Committee was set up to look into the issues. The Committee invited Mr. Lai Omotola and the official accused, to testify before it. At the end of its deliberations, the Committee came to the conclusion that Mr. Lai Omotola could not substantiate his allegations of corruption against the Coordinator of the Task Force. Contrary to Mr Omotolas allegation that the outcome of the Committees decision was not made available to him, the outcome was communicated to him by a letter dated 21/02/22 which was received in his office on 28/02/22. 5. Still dissatisfied with this outcome, Mr. Lai Omotola proceeded to start harassing and intimidating the Coordinator of the Task Force with all sorts of frivolous petitions, as a result of which the Coordinator was dragged before Zone 2 Police Command, EFCC and IGPs Monitoring Team, Abuja. THE CRIMINAL CHARGE AGAINST MR LAI OMOTOLA 6. Upon conclusion of investigations based on petiton and cross-petition received by Zone 2 Police Command, from Lai Omotola and Estate of Moshood Aremu Olatokunbo, the duplicate casefile was forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for issuance of Legal Advice. Finding that a prima facie case had been established, the DPP issued Legal Advice dated 27/10/20, which indicated that a prima facie case of Conspiracy and Willful Damage to Property and Securing Entry to Property by Violence . was disclosed against Mr. Lai Omotola. 7. Based on the foregoing the DPPs office filed a four Count charge against Mr. Lai Omotola. A letter dated 8/07/21 from the law firm of Lukman Iman & Co (solicitors to Mr. Lai Omotola) acknowledged that the charge sheet was served on Mr. Omotola contrary to the allegations of non-service of the charge sheet on him during his press conference. 8. The matter came up at the High Court of Lagos State for the first time on 22/3/21, but Mr. Omotola was absent. Owing to his absence in Court on that day, the Court issued a bench warrant for his arrest. However, the bench warrant was revoked on the 25/10/21 when Mr. Omotola appeared in court accompanied by his lawyer. 9. On subsequent adjourned dates, Mr. Omotola failed to appear before the Court and was absent on 9 occasions before the Court issued another bench warrant on 8/06/22, directing the police to arrest him and produce him before the court to answer the charges against him. On all these occasions, Mr. Omotolas lawyers were in Court. 10. Rather than present himself before the Court to answer to the charges levelled against him, Mr. Omotola deployed all manner of antics to delay and frustrate the trial of this matter. The latest of which is his press conference. 11. The allegations by Mr. Lai Omotola are therefore refuted and unfounded. Furthermore, by his actions, Mr. Lai Omotola is now a fugitive and anyone who has information about his whereabouts should inform the nearest Police station so that he can be arrested and brought before the court Dated This 20th June 2022

Lagos Hosts Attorneys-General

Posted on June 17, 2022

… As Sanwo-Olu applauds the Body of Attorneys-General of States of the Federation Lagos State is currently hosting a 3-days meeting with the Body of Attorneys-General of States of the Federation (BOAGs) which is ongoing at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The meeting is been organized to discuss several critical legal issues bordering on the London/Paris Club loan Refund claim, Value Added Tax (VAT), stamp duty, Amendments to the 1999 Constitution (Amended), among others. The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu in his welcome address applauded the body of Attorneys-General for organizing the meeting to discuss critical issues and proffer solutions for the betterment of the country. “The roles played by Chief Law Officers across the Federation cannot be overemphasized and we also know how important it is to have you all at the helm of affairs in the country”. Governor Sanwo-Olu noted. The governor expressed his delight at hosting the meeting, stating that he will continue to provide support to the BOAGs. In his keynote address, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) stated that there can be no better time for the Chief Law Officers of the 36 States of the Federation to come together to critically look into provisions of the laws and the attendant issues thrown up as they continue the march to nationhood. Akeredolu noted that the 1999 Constitution has been amended twice in which there is another promise of further amendments arising from the manifest irregularities in many provisions, stating that this has compelled many lawyers and educated citizens to insist on having a new constitution which will reflect the agitations of the groups which make up the country He stated that the structure of the federal police has failed while calling on the establishment of state police to maintain law and order due to the current spate of insecurity across the country. The Governor challenged the 36 State Attorney’s General to take a stand on restructuring to curtail the Federal Government’s unbridled quest for more powers. The Attorney General of Lagos State and Interim Chairman of the BOAGs, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), in his address noted that the body was established as part of efforts to form a formidable force to take positions on legal issues, advice the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and take legal action or review legal actions taken on behalf of all the states. “The forum provides a platform for peer learning and deliberation on common issues that affect the collective interest of the member states with a view to finding lasting solutions as this will remain at the core of our convergence and deliberations”. Onigbanjo stated that part of its mandate includes the pursuit of true federalism, adherence to the constitution, rule of law, independence of the judiciary, as well as liaison with the AGF on behalf of the states on legal issues. Other critical legal issues discussed at the meeting includes the State Anti-Corruption Commission established by States, FIRS threat to recovering “unremitted tax deductions by States” and Local Governments, current issues in the legal profession and related matters, pensions and gratuity for Judges, amongst others.

Lagos Set To Host Meeting Of The Body Of Attorneys-General Of The Federation

Posted on June 13, 2022

Lagos State is set to host the next meeting of the Body of Attorneys-General of States of the Federation which will commence on Wednesday 15th June,2022 A Statement released by the Interim Chairman and Attorney General of Lagos State,Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo,SAN disclosed that the Body of Attorneys -General forum is a body set up with a view to improving law and order issues uniformly in the 36 States of the Federation. It will also afford the Attorneys-General a platform for exchange of ideas, experience and build capacity nationwide. According to Onigbanjo , the Keynote Address will be delivered by the Governor of Ondo State,Mr Rotimi Akeredolu,SAN The meeting will be attended by the Attorneys-General of the 36 States of the Federation and ends on Thursday, 17th June,2022.

Lagos Attorney-General Applauds Counsel on Secondment Programme

Posted on June 12, 2022

The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, at meeting with counsel who took part in the secondment programme organised by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with top law firms, applauded them for taking part and urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired for effective discharge of their duties. Onigbanjo gave this remark on friday during a meeting by the second Batch of Counsel who had completed their secondment programme at various top private law firms in the State. While congratulating the Counsel for completing the Programme, the Attorney-General expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback from Counsel during the 3months programme, urging them to utiize the experience and exposure garnered to improve their various departments. The Commissioner noted that the programme was initiated in October 2021 to enhance career objectives, expand their horizon as well as improve the efficiency of lawyers in the employ of the State. He urged the counsel to make judicious use of the skills acquired during the secondment programme for the advancement of their career in Public Service as well as delivering on their mandate to residents in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. Onigbanjo also seized the opportunity to thank partner firms where the state counsel were deployed for their cooperation and accomodating the Counsel during the programme. Sharing their experiences at the various law firms, the Counsel described the initiative as highly commendable and illuminating as it provided them an opportunity to learn new skills, acquire knowledge in other areas of law different from their normal work routine, just as it broadened their perspectives on work-life experience in the private sector. The Counsel were seconded to law firms specializing in Oil and Gas, Energy, Taxation and Corporate Law amongst others.

Lagos Launches Restorative Justice Centre

Posted on May 29, 2022

……Inaugurates the Nigerian Police Force and DPP focal group. In a bid to ensure correctional facilities decongestion and ensure quick dispensation of justice, the Lagos State Government on Friday at Alausa Secretariat launched a restorative justice center and Secretariat of the Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committee (CJSRC). The Lagos State restorative justice center is to serve as an alternative dispute resolution and as a tool for decongesting the less serious case in the court system. In his address the Chief judge of Lagos State who also served as the chairman of CJSRC, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba noted that the restorative system of justice is not alien but has been in existence for over three decades and in practice in other countries hence the adoption of it by the State justice system to ensure peaceful resolution of disputes. Justice Alogba ably represented by Hon. Justice Adenike Coker stated that the traditional justice system has suffered a great deal of setbacks with evident increase in the rate of crime, long prosecution process and overcrowding of correctional facilities amongst others. He therefore, noted that the restorative justice centre is a welcome development as restorative justice referrals from courts and Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) can be settled amicably at the centre. The Attorney-General and commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo ,SAN in his address noted that the restorative justice system has been a dominant method of dealing with conflict for most of human history as it existed alongside a diverse range of other practices, including retribution hence its adoption by the State. He stated that it is the responsibility of government to ensure that matters are resolved in a reasonable and timely manner because when it drags on for long people tend to find alternatives and take laws into their hands to get what they consider as justice which is not. “Restorative justice centre is a form of alternative dispute resolution and we are determined to deploy it as a tool for decongesting as many of the less serious cases in the docket of the court system and invariably the overcrowded correctional centres”. He explained further that restorative justice system is a process where all the parties with a stake in a particular offence come together to resolve collectively how to deal with the aftermath of the offence and usually involves a trained facilitator. In addition,he noted that the State government in partnership with The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) has trained over 100 facilitators, magistrates, traditional rulers, police officers on restorative justice procedures. The centre according to Onigbanjo is expected to raise awareness and build support for the restorative justice program as well as to invite participation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders in implementing the model of justice. This he noted further demonstrates the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to expanding access to justice and building a peaceful and safe community that is victim orientated. The Solicitor General and Permanent secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-bey expressed delight at the launch of the centre noting that it is another way of ensuring quick dispensation of justice while thanking the British council, GIZ, ROLAC and other donor agencies for their unwavering support towards promoting a criminal justice system that wins the trust of the community. The Honourable Chief judge used the occasion to launch the presentation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document which is a document that seeks to ensure seemless collaboration between investigation prosecutors from the Police and the DPPs office at the stages of investigation up to the prosecution stage. The Nigerian Police force and DPP focal group was also inaugurated to fast track and champion the process of investigation and prosecution There were also goodwill addresses from Mr. Gertjan de Gruijter of GIZ police programme, Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi represented by ACP Mary Anyim and RoLAC State Coordinator, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa, Dr. Akeem Bello among others. In attendance were officers of the Nigerian Police Force, Correctional facilities, Prison Fellowship of Nigeria, members of the RJ steering committee and relevant stakeholders.

Lagos Government Releases 21 Inmates

Posted on March 23, 2022

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.

LASG, RoLAC Trains Senior Police Officers on ACJL.

Posted on March 22, 2022

In a bid to ensure that fundamental human rights are protected, the rule of law upheld and to ensure quick dispensation of Justice, the Office of the Attorney General,Lagos State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) a program of the European Union recently organized a one day workshop for senior police officers on “The Effective Implementation of Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law, 2021”. The workshop which was held at the Adéyemí Bero Hall, Alausa, Ikeja was solely focused on Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and other sectional heads of police formation in the state. In his welcome address, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN commended the Commissoner of Police, Lagos State Command, AIG of Zone 2 and Alagbon for cooperating with the Ministry to organize the workshop. He noted that following the assent by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the ACJL on the 30th of September, 2021, it is crucial to bring together different stakeholders to enlighten them on the new innovations introduced in the Law to ensure effective implementation. Onigbanjo noted some of the innovations includes; the powers of chief magistrate to visit police stations, prohibition of media parade of suspects, prohibition of arrest in lieu, recording confessional statements, plea bargain amongst others. “The workshop will present an opportunity to discuss and understand the salient provisions in the law as related to victims, arrests and detention of suspects and safeguards relating to fundamental investigation and preparing a case for trial”. In his remark, the Commissioner for Police, Lagos State Command, CP Abiodun Alabi asserted that the imperativeness of the workshop cannot be overemphasized considering the strategic importance and indispensable role of the police in the administration of criminal justice. “The criminal justice system consists of the police, court and correctional centers whereby the roles and functions of these institutions are intertwined and mutually reinforcing in the effective and successful administration of criminal justice of any country or state”. CP Abiodun expressed the hopes that the workshop would greatly shore up service delivery and international best practices in criminal Justice administration within the State. Also at the event were the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Ms Titilayo Shitta-Bey, Director DPP, Dr. Babajide Martins, Magistrates, Area Commanders, (RoLAC) State Coordinator, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa, program facilitators amongst others.

36 State’s Attorney-General Forum Elect Onigbanjo, Others

Posted on March 16, 2022

The Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice of the 36 states have elected the Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN) as the interim chairman of the executive committee. Onigbanjo was elected during the Forum’s inaugural meeting recently held on Monday at Abuja. The forum also elected the Attorney General of Nasarawa State, Dr. Karim Kana as interim secretary amongst others. The executive committee will run the affairs of the forum, arrange meetings, issue statements on behalf of all the 36 AGs, take positions on legal issues, advice the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and take legal action or review legal actions taken on behalf of all the States. Part of the executive committee mandate includes the pursuit of true federalism, adherence to the constitution, rule of law, independence of the judiciary as well as liaison with the AGF on behalf of the states on legal issues. Speakers at the maiden event includes the Governor of Plateau State who delivered the welcome address whilst a former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN) delivered the keynote address. The next meeting of the Attorneys-General of the 36 States of the Federation will hold in the second quarter of 2022.