Lagos State Ministry of Justice

    Lagos State Government to Prosecute Attackers Of Government Official Carrying Out Their Lawful Duties.

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    The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) has expressed the readiness of the State Government to prosecute anyone found assaulting or attacking any government officials in the course of their lawful duties. This is coming after an attack on one LASTMA official around Berger on the 12th February, 2022. The attacker, one Ibrahim Yusuf, a native of Osun State was the driver of a Suzuki mini‐van with Reg. No. KJA 953 YE. Ibrahim  Yusuf on Saturday, 12th of February, 2020 was seen by LASTMA officials who were on routine check willfully breaking the traffic rules by obstructing traffic and parking to pick passengers at different spots not designated as a Bus Stop. The LASTMA official approached the attacker at Berger area and in the bit of arresting the vehicle, the said Ibrahim Yusuf ran into the market and recovered a meat seller’s knife and stabbed one Awotola Victor Olatunde, who was the team leader on his head and also slashed his throat. The attacker threatened to kill the official and leave Lagos State afterwards. All efforts to arrest the violent attacker proved abortive as he was on rage and threatening to kill the official. His vehicle was however taken to the LASTMA office at Ojodu Berger. The said Ibrahim Yusuf was later brought to the police station by the Chairman of the Berger Park and was charged to Court on the Tuesday, 15 th February, 2022. He  was charged before Magistrate Mrs. Kubeinje of Court 4, Ogba for the offences of Attempted Murder and Assault Occasioning Harm contrary to Sections 230 and 173 respectively of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015. The attacker was remanded at the KIrikiri Correctional Centre and the matter adjourned to 30th March, 2022 for DPP’s Advice. The Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) however reiterated that Lagos State Government will not tolerate any form of attack or assaults on its official performing their lawful duties. He also assures the General public that the Office of the DPP will issue the Legal Advice expeditiously and prosecute the case diligently at the High Court to serve as deterrent to would be offenders and attackers.

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    Lagos Attorney General Receives New Lagos CP

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    ….CP assures of maximum support of the Lagos  Police Command. Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, on Wednesday received the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP. Abiodun Alabi and his team in his office at the Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja. Onigbanjo while welcoming the  new Lagos boss on a courtesy visit appreciated the police in  tackling the security challenges facing the State while also ensuring effective policing. He stressed that the ministry will ensure vigorous quarterly training exercise for prosecutors, IPOs and DPOs in the State and also support the Lagos State Police Command in the dispensation of their duties in order to ensure a smooth Administration of Justice. Responding ,the new Lagos CP. Abiodun Alabi commended the Attorney General and the Ministry of Justice for the continued synergy with the Lagos State Police Command in Justice delivery.He however assured  of continued collaboration with the State Ministry of Justice in ensuring that the legal rights of suspects are protected under the law “We shall continue to explore all available strategies in guaranteeing  the enforcement of the criminal justice system in the State”,he said

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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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    Lagos Attorney General Pays Unscheduled Visits to Agencies Under The Ministry Of Justice

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    The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, recently paid unscheduled visits to the Public Advice Centre (PAC) and the Office of the Administrator-General and Public Trustee (AG & PT). The Commissioner enjoined State Counsel and support staff to be effective and efficient in the performance and discharge of their duties noting that residents depend on them for FREE legal advice and counsel in resolving issues bothering on Administration of Wills, Estate Management, Properties and other areas of concern. Whilst emphasizing the importance of their services to the Public, the Attorney General appreciated members of staff for their continued support and commitment. Mr. Onigbanjo, SAN reiterated their critical role in ensuring access to justice and law reform which are integral components of the THEMES Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Administration, particularly*S* Security and Governance.

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    Commissioner Applauds Counsel on Secondment Programme

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    The Lagos State Attorney General andCommissioner for Justice,Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo ,SAN has applauded pioneer counsel who took part in the secondment programme organised by the Ministry of Justice to continuously sharpen their skills to be efficient in the discharge of their duties. Onigbanjo stated this during a meeting on Tuesday with the some State  counsel after the completion of their 2-3 months secondment programme at various law firms in the State. 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 therefore therefore urged the pioneer counsel to make judicious use of the skills acquired during the secondment programme for the advancement  of the legal profession  as well as deliver adequate justice to residents in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olus administration Onigbanjo commended them for being good ambassadors of the State and the ministry during their secondment programme urging them to utilize the skills and experience garnered in their various departments. Sharing their experiences at the various law firms, the  Counsel described the initiative as highly commendable and illuminating as it provided an opportunity to learn new skills, exposure to diverse areas of law different from their normal work routine as well as provided perspectives on work-life experience in the private sector. The counsel were seconded to law firms which specialized in Oil and gas ,Energy, Taxation, Corporate law etc.

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    HOS, Attorney General Charges Justice Staff

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    …Rewards outstanding Officers. The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola  and the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN has charged staff of the Ministry of Justice as well as State counsel to be efficient and transparent in the discharge of their duties. In his address at a merit award/end of the year ceremony organised by the Ministry of Justice recently, the State’s Head of Service urged the awardees and members of staff to be up and doing in the discharge of their responsibilities. Muri-Okunola stated that the success of every government is determined by its ability to provide prompt and efficient service delivery and this can only be possible when staff of the ministry work together in peace and harmony to remit a top-notch and quality service delivery. The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN expressed pride and satisfaction towards the high performance of the State counsels and staff of the ministry in both the senior and junior category, stating that due to the quality of work put forth, the ministry has helped the State Government in upholding the rule of law as well as delivering adequate justice to residents in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of Mr. Governor. Onigbanjo urged the awardees to continue the good work noting that the ministry will continue to recognize the efforts of individuals with outstanding track record of contributions in the ministry towards public service delivery Also speaking during the 2 -day ceremony, the Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, explained that the idea of the Awards ceremony was a way of promoting a healthy professional rivalry among officers in order to continually promote the ethics of global best practices in legal  and service delivery In her words; “Everyone has their bit to contribute regardless of how big or little it may seem. The service delivery of the State counsel is just as important as the service delivery of the cleaners and security personnels in the Ministry”. “The most important thing is to execute your duty with passion, diligence, integrity and professionalism” Speaking further, Ms. Shitta-Bey applauded the Directors of the Ministry as well as members of staff for their patience, diligence and dedication to public service delivery noting that sometimes it can be extremely demanding, either mentally or emotionally but urged them to be diligent, transparent, and accountable in the discharge of their duties. There were awards for outstanding officers in the junior,senior and project officers categories.

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    Sanwo-Olu Swears in 14 new High Court Judges

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    Lagos Governor,Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday swore in 14 new Judges for the high court while  urging them to dispense justice quickly and fairly ,without fear or living and acting above board in all circumstances “in your hands lies great power to punish wrong doers and free the innocent,the power to send a strong message to society about the primacy of the rule of law and to contribute to the growing body of jurisprudence in the country” The Governor  stressed that Government is committed to supporting the judiciary to achieve its purposes and also ensure they are comfortable enough to perform optimally “Judges who take their work seriously can do a lot to rebuild the confidence of citizens  in the systems and institutions of our nation.A properly functioning judicial system will go a long way in nuturing an environment that enables business and investment…….there is less room for poverty to drive people to crime and criminality “ The Hon.Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice,Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo,SAN while reading the citations of the judges noted that the appointment of the new judges became necessary due to the retirement of some judges in the course of the year Onigbanjo stressed that since the inception of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration in 2019,a total of 24 judges have been sworn in till date thereby making a total of 70judges for Lagos in  fulfilment of the THEMES development agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration . The new benchers consist of nine females and five males They include Justices Olubusola Okunuga,Adenrera Adeyemi,Olufolake Oshin,Oluwatoyin Odusanya,Olumuyiwa Martins,Ariyike Ipaye-Nwachukwu,Batunde Kalaro,Omolade Awope,Akinkunmi Idowu,Olalekan Oresanya,Mujibat Oshodi,Ismaili Ijelu,Mosunmola Balogun and Mathias Dawodu.

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    IKEDE PATAKI

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    Ijọba ipinle Eko n rọ araalu paapaa gbogbo olugbe Magodo Residential Scheme lati fọkanbalẹ lori iṣẹlẹ to waye laipẹ yii ti Oloye Adebayọ Adeyiga atawọn ẹgbẹ Shangisha Landlords Association fi ẹtan ko awọn ọlọpaa lọ si Magodo lati fi tipa fidi idajọ ile-ẹjọ mulẹ. Ijọba ṣakiyesi pe awọn ọlọpaa ti wọn waa fidi idajọ naa mulẹ kii ṣe awọn ọlọpaa kootu rara; nitori awọn ọlọpaa kootu ko mọ nnkan nipa igbesẹ ti wọn gbe lọjọ naa ni Magodo. Igbesẹ yii tun lodi si igbekalẹ ile-ẹjọ ilẹ wa. Ijọba ipinle Eko fẹẹ fi da awọn araalu loju pe iwadii ṣi n lọ lọwọ lati fi awọn to lọwọ si ọrọ naa jofin, bẹẹ nijọba ko ni yẹsẹ lati maa bọwọ fun ofin la i ṣegbe lẹyin ẹnikankan. Bakan naa nijọba n lo anfaani yii lati kilọ fun awọn eeyan wọnyi pe ki wọn pa gbogbo akọle ti wọn ti kọ sara ile awọn olugbe Magodo rẹ kiakia, bẹẹ ni ki awọn araalu fi ṣe oju lalakan fi n ṣọri. Bi wọn ba si ri ẹnikẹni to ba tun fẹẹ dan iru iwa to lodi sofin bẹẹ wo, ki wọn fi to ijoba leti kia. Olukede Moyọsọrẹ Onigbanjo, SAN Agbẹjọro agba fun ijọba ati kọmiṣanna fun eto idajọ nipinlẹ Eko Ọjọ kẹtalelogun, oṣu kejila, ọdun 2021

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    ILLEGAL ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENT BY SHANGISHA LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION INRE SC/112/2002 BETWEEN MILITARY GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE & ORS. V. CHIEF ADEBAYO ADEYIGA & ORS.

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    ILLEGAL ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENT BY SHANGISHA LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION INRE SC/112/2002 BETWEEN MILITARY GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE & ORS. V. CHIEF ADEBAYO ADEYIGA & ORS. i. On the 21st of December, 2021, it was reported through social media platforms that the Shangisha Landlords Association with stern looking Policemen took over Magodo Area of Lagos State in purported execution of a Supreme Court judgment. ii. It is a known fact that judgment was delivered in 2012 by the Supreme Court in Military Governor of Lagos State & Ors. Vs. Adebayo Adeyiga & Ors in Appeal No: SC/112/2002 wherein the Apex court affirmed the judgment of Court of Appeal and High Court delivered on the 31st December, 1993 in Suit No: ID/795/88 wherein the Court held as follows: “I hereby enter judgment for the plaintiffs against the defendants as follows – A declaration that members of the Shangisha Landlords Association whose lands and or buildings at Shangisha village were demolished by the Lagos State Government and/or its servants or agents during the period of June 1984 to May 1985 are entitled to the first choice preferential treatment by the Lagos State Government before any other person(s) in the allocation or re-allocation of plots in Shangisha village and I make the order against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants (particularly the Lagos state Government and Land Use and Allocation committee) as agreed in the meeting held on 16th October 1984 with the Ministry of Lands and Housing and Development Matters, Lagos State. 2. An order of Mandatory Injunction is hereby made that the said defendants shall forthwith allocate 549 (five hundred and forty nine) plots to the plaintiffs in the said Shangisha village scheme in the Shangisha village aforesaid.” iii. It is obvious from the declaratory judgment of the Supreme Court that the judgment only recognized the Judgment Creditors as being entitled to first choice preferential treatment in the “allocation and or re-allocation of plots in Shangisha Village”. The judgment only relates to allocation of 549 plots of land and not possession of any land. iiii. Several attempts by the State Government to resolve the matter amicably have been on even before the judgment of the Supreme Court was delivered. It is therefore not surprising that the Supreme Court held on page 27 of the judgment thus; “…… This Court appreciates the  magnanimity of  the Lagos  State Government in the proposals to effect an amicable settlement of this matter. The ball is now in the court of the counsel to the respondents who has a statutory duty to advise them properly to give the government their maximum co-operation in the execution of this judgment.” v. The State Government engaged the Judgment Creditors between 2012 – 2015 and made proposal to re-allocate land to the Judgment Creditors at Magotho Residential Scheme within Badagry Area which was rejected by Chief Adebayo Adeyiga but majority of the Judgment Creditors led by Yemi Ogunshola, Jelili Yaya and Adeleke Adefala accepted the offer. Due to division within the Judgment Creditors, another round of settlement was initiated in 2016 which culminated in the proposal to re-allocate the Judgment Creditors to Ibeju Lekki Coastal Scheme situate at Ibeju/Lekki which was also rejected by Chief Adebayo Adeyiga. vi. Subsequent to the rejection, the State Government has been in dialogue with majority of the Judgment Creditors from 2019 with a view to reach a concession towards implementing the Judgment. vii. Noteworthy also is the pending application for interlocutory injunction dated 1st December 2020 before the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/L/1005A/2018 seeking an order restraining Chief Adebayo Adeyiga and others (including their agents, servants privies or howsoever called, particularly the Police) from entering into, giving direction, taking possession or in any manner disturbing the quiet enjoyment of property owners in Magodo Residential Area Scheme. viii. The Lagos State Government has equally observed that the execution was carried out by unknown Bailiffs as the Sherriff of the High Court of Lagos where the Judgment emanated were not responsible for the purported execution carried out on the 21st December 2021 at Magodo. The purported execution is therefore contrary to Order 8 Rule 17 of the Supreme Court Rules 2014 and Section 37 of the Enforcement of Judgment and Orders Part iii of the Sherriff and Civil Process Act, LFN, 2004. ix. The Judgment before the Supreme Court was not in respect of declaration of title and the Supreme Court did not in any way grant title to land to the Judgment Creditors. The Judgment Creditors had no claim for possession and none was granted as no survey plan was tendered before the Court. The judgment is not affixed to any land anywhere and only declared that the Judgment Creditors are entitled to allocation of land from the State Government. x. The State Government is therefore dismayed by the action of Chief Adebayo Adeyiga (one of the Judgment Creditors) who misled the Nigeria Police in attempting execution of the Judgment notwithstanding the pending Appeal against the issuance of warrant of possession by the then Chief Judge of Lagos State on 16th March 2017. xi. The State Government enjoins the general public to remain calm especially Residents of Magodo Residential Area, while investigation into the unwarranted incident is being carried out with a view to prosecuting any person found culpable. The Lagos State Government has the high regard for the rule of law and will protect the interests of all parties.  Signed  Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ministry of Justice, Lagos State 23rd December 2021

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    LASG Begins Sensitization on The Administration Of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law 2021: Holds Magistrates Workshop

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    In a continuous bid to ensure the effective implementation of the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice (Amendment) Law, 2021 (ACJL), the State Government has organised the first batch of workshop for Magistrates in Lagos on salient provisions in the amended ACJL Law. Addressing participants at the workshop, the Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), noted that the workshop serves as a platform to familiarize and dissect the new provisions of ACJL with a view to effectively implement and build on the progress made so far in justice delivery. The commissioner who was represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey noted that ACJL was first passed in 2007 and amended in 2011 (more than ten (10) years ago) to ensure that the Fundamental Rights of suspects and persons that come into contact with the justice system, as enshrined in the Constitution are protected. He stressed that to further strengthen the justice system, Mr Governor assented to the  ACJL(Amendment),2021 as well as address the issue of delay in the administration of criminal justice. According to him, the workshop for the Magistrates is pivotal as they play a huge role in decongesting of the Correctional Facilities, being the major stakeholder before a suspect is remanded into custody. He noted that Magistrate Courts handle about 65% of the criminal cases in the State, and are responsible for handling minor offences summarily. Noting the efforts of the State Government in the administration of criminal Justice, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, highlighted the various Amendments and innovations, which has set the pace for other States. She noted that in addition to the overview of the ACJL Law 2021; the workshop will also address the implementation of Restorative justice and other non- custodial measures such Community sentencing, Plea Bargain amongst others. Facilitators at the workshop include Hon. Justice Adenike Coker, Mr. Joseph Otteh, Founder Access to Justice, Director, Lagos Multidoor Court House, Mrs. Adeyinka Aroyewun, Director, Lagos State Community Service Unit, Ms. Shakirat Kotun amongst others.

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