OPD – Lagos State Ministry of Justice

PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS MOJ, OPD CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE

Posted on September 26, 2025

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice through its agency,the Bureau of the Public Defender formerly known as Office of the Public Defender (OPD), has celebrated 25years of unwavering commitment to justice at a commemorative event, themed “Honouring the Past, Defending the Future,” held on Wednesday 24th of September, 2025 at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. Delivering his goodwill message,Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ably represented by the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, congratulated the OPD for its steadfast service since its establishment in 2000, describing the OPD as a shining example of Lagos State’s commitment to protecting the rights of the vulnerable. “The OPD has stood for the voiceless, defended the weak, and offered hope to countless residents whilst making justice accessible to everyone in the State” He said. Sanwo-Olu expressed pride in the various strides that the State has made in strengthening the agency by expanding its offices to more communities, supporting its governing council and prioritizing access to justice as a pillar of the THEMES+ Agenda. “Let it be known that we celebrate not only the institution of BPD but also the resilience of its counsel, the courage of its clients and the fate of Lagosians in the justice sector”, the Governor noted. Earlier in his remarks,the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, underscored the importance of reflecting on OPD’s achievements over the years. Pedro highlighted the agency’s growth from a modest office into a full-fledged institution that has secured landmark victories in criminal defense, human rights protection, family matters, child rights, and domestic violence cases. “For 25 years, BPD has embodied the conscience of our justice sector. It has stood in defense of those who could not stand for themselves and has expanded the scope of justice to the grassroots. Today, as we celebrate the past, we must also recommit ourselves to strengthening the BPD to defend the future of justice in Lagos State,” the Attorney-General said. Delivering his welcome address earlier, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, noted that the theme “Honouring the Past, Defending the Future” aptly captures the essence of the celebration. He explained that the occasion was not only to mark a milestone, but also to reflect on a noble journey of service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to justice. Oyenuga added that from its humble beginnings to its present stature, the Bureau has consistently affirmed that access to justice is a right, not a privilege; one that must be upheld with courage and integrity. Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Bureau, Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju, expressed deep appreciation for the remarkable turnout and support at the anniversary celebration. She assured that the agency will remain unwavering in its mandate, pledging that BPD will continue to innovate, expand its horizon, and defend the rights of the vulnerable, so that justice in Lagos State remains accessible and meaningful for all. The event featured goodwill messages from foreign partners, recognition of outstanding staff, and a panel session on the future of public defense in Lagos State. The celebration also brought together dignitaries and stakeholders from the judiciary sector, representatives of Pepperdine University, USA; Public Interest Law Partnership (PILP), NBA, Parastatal Monitoring Office (PMO), RoLAC, UNICEF, Civil Society Organizations,Directors, Heads of Unit and Counsel in the State Ministry of Justice.

PRESS RELEASE: OPD Commemorates International Day For Elimination Of Violence Against women and Children with Advocacy Campaign .

Posted on December 7, 2024

Lagos State Office of Public Defender today commemorated the annual International Day For Elimination of violence against women and children with advocacy campaign held at some selected markets within Lagos Mainland Local government area. The programe themed “Orange the world :Time to Act Now” was organized to raise awareness and highlight lasting solution to stop violence against women and girls.. Among the Markets reached for the advocacy campaign rally were Oyingbo , Ido, Mokoko, Sabo and Yaba markets where the campaign teams engaged the market women about the Theme of the campaign and responsibilities of OPD Speaking during the campaign rally, the Director, Office of Public Defender, Mrs Olubunmi Adesomoju stated that annually, from November 25 to December 10, the world observes the 16 days of activism against gender- based violence, the campaign that aims to raise awareness and to mobilize action to end all forms of violence against women and girls. She said ‘ It is part of the responsibilities of OPD to provide free legal services to the indigent and vulnerable residents of the States with emphasis on issues threatening the socio-economic right of the poor as well as other disadvantaged group like women and children”. Adesomoju further states “the Agency is celebrating, commemorating and raising awareness on the violence and also for the members of Public to be more enlightened on the responsibilities and mandates of the Agency and State Government ‘s policy on Access to justice.” Olusesi OlatundeHead, Public AffairsOPD.6/12/2024

Press Release – Plateau, Jigawa States Understudy the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender.

Posted on May 26, 2024

Delegations from the Plateau and Jigawa States Ministries of Justice on Friday 24th May 2024 visited the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender to understudy the working processes of the Agency at Its Surulere head office. The Delegation from Plateau State was led by the Honourable Attorney General/ Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Philemon Audu Daffi while the Jigawa State Delegation was led by the Honourable Attorney General/ Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Bello Abdulkadir Fanni. Welcoming the Delegations to the Agency, the Director, Office of the Public Defender (OPD) Mrs Olubunmi Adesomoju informed them about the historical background of the office, she disclosed that the Agency started as a Unit under a Department in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice on 24th of July 2000 known as Citizen’s Rights Department. OPD eventually became autonomous with the enactment of the OPD Law. She stated further that the office is a body established by the Lagos State Government to render free & quality legal services in criminal and civil cases to the indigents and vulnerable residents of the State with emphasis on issues threatening the socio-economic rights of the poor as well as other vulnerable groups such as children, women, the physically challenged, pensioners, widows etc. Adesomoju also mentioned the structural components that made up the Office, which includes the Criminal Defence of the High Courts & Magistrate Courts Units, Family and Child Justice Unit, Civil and Small Claims Court Unit, Social and Welfare Unit, Public Affairs Unit among others. She disclosed that the Office has resident Counsel in all the High courts and all Magistrate courts in the State and provide legal representation.She added that the Agency also has some functional committees that make it function efficiently and effectively, this includes the Rescue Mission committee, Advocacy/Campaign committee, Project committee, Correctional Center Visit committee etc. In his remark, the Hon. Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice Plateau State, Barrister Philemon Audu Daffi disclosed that both delegations were in Lagos State to get practical solutions that would make access to justice a reality for their people, he added that they wanted practical steps that can be implemented immediately. He mentioned that they were both on the verge of commencing the Office of the Public Defender in their States. The Jigawa State Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Bello Abdulkadir Fanni spoke in the same line with his colleague from Plateau, he added that they discovered that there is a gap to be filled in their States especially in the area of case management and that was a major part of the reason for their visit. The two delegations were furnished with information and materials that would assist them in accomplishing their vision of rendering prompt & adequate access to justice to their people. The two Hon. Commissioners thanked the Lagos State Government on behalf of the Governments and people of Plateau and Jigawa States for the warm welcome & kind gesture accorded to them by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Public Defender in giving them an insight into how effective & impactful access to justice is being implemented in Lagos State. Olatunde OlusesiHead Public AffairsOPD25/5/2024.

Lagos State Rescues Minors Neglected By Father .

Posted on January 27, 2024

The Lagos State Government through the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) on Tuesday 23rd January, 2024 rescued two minors age 4 years (male) and 15 months (female) respectively at the Awoyaya axis, Lagos. The Office of the Public Defender (OPD) received an SOS via its Facebook platform in respect of two children who were being neglected and physically abused by their father. The Director OPD, Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju, noted that the OPD rescue team took immediate steps to ensure the children were rescued with the help of the Police. The children are presently receiving the much needed medical support and have been placed in safe custody. She further expressed her appreciation to the mandatory reporters (concerned citizens) who brought the plight of the minors to the attention of the Agency. Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju urged residents of Lagos State to stay vigilant and to report any case or form of domestic abuse on OPD TOLL- FREE NO: 07080601080 and Email Address: opdlagos@gmail.com All such reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

OPD In Collaboration With NITA On A 6-Day Workshop On Trial Advocacy, Forensic Interview And Crime Scene Protocol

Posted on October 16, 2023

Lagos Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), at the closing ceremony of a 6-Day Workshop on Trial Advocacy, Forensic Interview and Crime Scene Protocol organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Office of the Public Defender in collaboration with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) ,Colorado ,USA on Friday, 13th of October at the Dover Hotel, Ikeja. The Attorney General expressed gratitude and appreciation towards the 17man NITA Team led by Judge Ann Claire Williams and the 5man local faculty for their support and selfless commitment towards promoting the justice system in Lagos State, Nigeria. Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) assured the team that the knowledge garnered during the 6day advocacy workshop will improve productivity and also assist Counsel and the Judiciary in the State to maintain competent legal jurisprudence, uphold ethical or best/ standard practices, and effectively represent clients in court.

LASG Reiterates Commitment To Access To Justice

Posted on October 9, 2023

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment in the pursuit of free access to justice in the State. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, ably represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey-Jeje made this declaration on Monday at the opening ceremony of a 6-Day Workshop on Advocacy, Forensic Interview and Crime Scene Protocol organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Office of the Public Defender in collaboration with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA)at the Dover Hotel, Ikeja. In his goodwill message, the AG expressed a heartfelt gratitude towards the NITA Faculty for generously dedicating their time to share their professional knowledge and expertise in various aspects of the law. He stated that the Lagos State Government through the Office of the Public Defender is unwavering in its pursuit of social inclusion and free access to justice by residents of Lagos State. “our vision is to enhance the quality of life for every individual regardless of their gender, tribe and social status which falls under the definition of our indigent and vulnerable persons, while ensuring that there is equal access to justice by all and sundry”, he said. Mr. Lawal Pedro ,SAN further noted that in any organization, it’s greatest asset is its employees and research have demonstrated that dedicated employee trainings and development programmes are not just essential for creating a skilled workforce but also for boosting productivity. He stressed that the workshop will be instrumental in fostering the exchange of legal knowledge and expertise, while equipping counsel of the State with the necessary skills to thrive in the Lagos State Justice System. Other notable Dignitaries at the event includes the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu rep by the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, High Court Judges, Magistrates, Directors ,Counsel and legal officers in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.

Lagos Commissioner Bags Attorney General of The Year Award.

Posted on November 7, 2022

Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN ) on Sunday , received the “Attorney General of the Year” Award at the just concluded ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards 2022 held at the Landmark Event Centre,Oniru, Lagos. The Attorney General who was represented at the award ceremony by the Administrator General and Public Trustee, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi was honoured with the award in recognition of his outstanding performance as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State and his immense contribution to the transformation of justice delivery and promotion of the rule of law in the State. The Award is a testament to the highest standard that the Commissioner has attained in the law profession and the enviable position that he occupies in African legal practice.

Adesomoju Appointed As New OPD Director

Posted on January 18, 2022

Former Deputy Director, Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC), Mrs. Adesomoju Olubunmi Adenike has been appointed as the new Director, Office of the Public Defender (OPD) This development was disclosed in a memo signed by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-bey on Tuesday.Her deployment became imperative following the appointment of the former Director OPD, Dr. Babajide Martins as Director Public Prosecutions(DPP), Ministry of Justice. Mrs. Adesomoju Olubunmi Adenike had her primary and Secondary education at Command Children School Sabo, Yaba, Lagos and Command Secondary School Ipaja respectively.She proceeded to Baptist Academy Obanikoro for her A-levels in 1988/89. She graduated from the Ogun State University in 1994 with a Bachelor in Laws degree (B.L) and L.L.B in 1995 when she was called to the Nigerian Bar. She proceeded for a Master in Laws (L.L.M) post graduate program at the University of Lagos in 2014. Adesomoju joined the State Public Service in 1999 and worked at the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency .She thereafter worked in several Directorates of the Ministry of Justice such as Directorates of Public Prosecutions, Civil Litigation and the Citizens’ Mediation Centre where she was the Deputy Director before her recent posting. Adesomoju is an Associate member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, (ICSA),member of the Institute of Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria, a member of Nigerian Bar Association, and also a member of the International Bar Association. She has attended several trainings, seminars, webinars and workshops in Criminal Advocacy, Public Prosecutions, Mediation & Arbitration Practices both locally and internationally The memo further states that her appointment takes immediate effect

OPD Wins Compensation For Wrongful Termination Of Contract Over Health Status

Posted on November 23, 2021

OPD Wins Compensation For Wrongful Termination Of Contract Over Health Status The Lagos State government through the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) has won the sum of over Two million naira for a former worker ( name withheld ) of Ocean Marine Solutions Limited, Lagos for wrongful termination of employment, stigmatization, embarrassment, psychological and emotional trauma. The company is also to pay the former staff the sum of One hundred thousand naira as the cost of action. Delivering judgement in the case, Hon. Justice Ikechi Nweneka of the National Industrial Court, Lagos Division said the Defendant ( Ocean Marine Solutions Limited) did not provide the Claimant with a contract of employment in breach of the Labour Act, and threw the Claimant into the society without support whatsoever. The court said further that the Defendant showed flagrant disregard for the Claimant’s fundamental rights to privacy, dignity and freedom from discrimination on account of her HIV positive status. There were several attempts at negotiated settlement by the Citizens’ Mediation Centre but it proved abortive hence OPD waded in and took legal action against the company on behalf of the sacked worker. The former worker was employed by Ocean Marine Solutions Limited as a cleaner in 2017 and in April of 2018, she was directed by the company with other five staff to go for a medical examination at a private medical centre on Victoria Island, Lagos. The company did not inform her of the nature of the medical test and the result was not disclosed to her, but was sent directly to the company upon which the Human Resources and Administrative Managers at various times confronted her and demanded if she had done HIV test during the birth of her children. She responded in the negative and was thereafter directed to go home and take HIV test. Same-day after the directive to go home, she began to receive sympathy, discriminatory and embarrassing messages from her colleagues and was forced to undergo another round of test before being directed not to return to the office until receipt of the test result. She was not told the nature of the test when she demanded to know and not counselled before it was done. The result was also sent to the company which led to her being locked out of the company’s premises by its management and subsequent termination of her employment. The company in its defence, denied all her claims and said it did not schedule her for HIV test but full medical test. That a consent form was provided for her by the health facility but because she could not read English, her colleagues filled the form for her and she signed it. The court upheld the worker submission as presented and argued by OPD Counsel and awarded compensation to the Claimant. The Defendant company has since paid the judgment sum through the Office of the Public Defender to the Claimant and the former worker has collected the bank draft in satisfaction of the judgment debt. Speaking on the case, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the State, Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN lauded the judgement and said days of impunity, unlawful termination of employment contract based on sex discrimination, religion and health status are over in Lagos state while assuring residents of the protection of their fundamental human rights as enshrined in the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He therefore urged residents of the state to approach the Office of the Public Defender for free legal services.

OPD Pays Coutersy Visit to Traffic Radio

Posted on October 1, 2021

The management of the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) has paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos traffic radio. Speaking during the visit, the Director, Office of the Public Defender, Dr. Babajide Martins said the visit was to explore area of cooperation and support the radio station can provide for the agency in the more news report and coverage of OPD activities. According to him, OPD was not oblivious of teeming population of Lagos residents, especially the indigent and vulnerable who are listeners of Traffic radio that need to know more about the agency in order to use its free legal services to the fullest. He further said that OPD counsel are being regularly trained to deliver first class free legal services in line with the current administration philosophy of security and governace for the good people of the state. Receiving the management of OPD, the General Manager of Lagos traffic radio, Mr. Tayo Akanle said the radio station through its services was unique and reliable when it comes to traffic news and this made the station first choice to radio listeners in the state and beyond ” the radio station has become darling of motorists and road users because of reliability of its traffic news, professionalism and timely dissemination of road news to the residents and visitors to the state alike” He assured Office of the Public Defender of the radio station readiness to support its efforts to become more visible in the public space and delivery of statutory responsibility. The visit was in continuation of OPD management efforts to get more media coverage for its activities and enlightenment of the grassroots people in the state. Mamud Hassan Public Affairs Unit OPD, 30th September, 2021.