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Lagos State Ministry of Justice

LAGOS ATTORNEY GENERAL RECEIVES AIG FCID ANNEX, LAGOS.

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….PLEDGES DEEPER COLLABORATION TO STRENGTHEN CRIMINAL JUSTICE DELIVERY The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) to enhance criminal investigations, prosecution and the overall administration of justice in Lagos State. The Attorney General gave the assurance on Wednesday 23 July, 2026 while receiving the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, psc, fdc, mspsp, MNIM, and members of his management team on a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja. Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, described the visit as a reflection of the strong and enduring relationship between the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that effective criminal justice administration thrives on collaboration among justice sector institutions and expressed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency cooperation to ensure the prompt investigation, prosecution and resolution of criminal cases in the State. Speaking during the visit, AIG Akpanudom acknowledged the existing cordial relationship between the Ministry and the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and called for deeper institutional collaboration to address challenges affecting the criminal justice system. He identified delays in the issuance of legal advice as a natural consequence of the volume and complexity of cases handled by the Ministry and stressed the need for sustained engagement to improve efficiency. The AIG also advocated greater forensic support to aid criminal investigations and proposed regular joint training programmes involving police investigators, prosecutors and officers of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to strengthen case preparation, evidence gathering and prosecution. Responding, the Attorney General welcomed the proposals and expressed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the Nigeria Police Force (FCID) on continuous capacity-building initiatives. He noted that regular joint training sessions would further strengthen synergy between investigators and prosecutors, leading to more effective case management and improved justice delivery. Mr. Pedro disclosed that the Ministry is making significant investments in modernising criminal justice administration through the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS), which continues to improve case tracking and coordination among justice sector institutions. He recalled that the forensic laboratory was destroyed during the #EndSARS unrest, prompting the temporary conversion of the facility’s canteen into a laboratory pending the reconstruction of the main building. He added that the project is nearing completion and will soon be fully operational. The Attorney General also highlighted the establishment of modern statement rooms equipped with audio-visual recording facilities to ensure greater transparency, accountability and professionalism in the taking of statements during investigations. While acknowledging existing resource constraints, Mr. Pedro commended the dedication of officers across the justice sector, noting that the Ministry remains committed to maximising available resources while continuously pursuing reforms that improve service delivery. Addressing the persistent challenge of land grabbing, the Attorney General urged residents of Lagos State to refrain from resorting to self-help or violence in resolving property disputes. Pedro advised aggrieved persons to channel their complaints through the Office of the Attorney General and seek redress through the courts, emphasising that lawful dispute resolution remains the surest means of protecting property rights and preserving public order. He reiterated that stronger cooperation between the Ministry of Justice and the FCID remains essential to ensuring timely investigations, effective prosecutions and the successful implementation of criminal justice reforms in Lagos State. Delivering the vote of thanks, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, expressed appreciation to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, and his delegation for the thoughtful visit. He described the engagement as a testament to the enduring partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, expressing confidence that the strengthened collaboration would further enhance criminal justice administration, uphold the rule of law, and contribute to a safer Lagos.

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Lagos Attorney General receives newly appointed Lagos CP

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In a gesture aimed at reinforcing the collaborative efforts between the police force and the legal system in the State, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN received the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, CP. Olanrewaju Ishola Olawale and his team, during a courtesy visit on Tuesday, 8th October 2024 at the conference room, Ministry of Justice, Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja. Speaking at the meeting, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration to address security issues in the State, particularly the ever-growing menace of land grabbing which has been a general concern for both Lagos State residents and the State Government. The Attorney General also reaffirmed the importance of the partnership between the police force and the legal system, highlighting the need for continual dialogue to address emerging security challenges and protect the rights of all citizens. “The synergy between our institutions is crucial for the delivery and quick dispensation of justice in the State. This visit signifies our collective dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that every citizen enjoys their rights under the law,” said Pedro. In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, CP. Olanrewaju Ishola Olawale expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and unwavering support of the Attorney General’s office in handling cases brought forward by the police force. He stated, “Our visit today is to strengthen the already existing cooperation between the police and legal officers in the State. Together, we are committed to building a safer Lagos.” CP. Olanrewaju highlighted the ongoing efforts of the police to curb illegal land activities and assured the public that the police would intensify their operations to protect citizens’ rights and properties. “The problem of land grabbing is a growing concern, and it is affecting the peace and security of many communities. By working closely with the Attorney General’s office, we will ensure that offenders are not only apprehended but also prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he reassured. Responding, the AG pledged to collaborate with the police on the development of new policies that would close legal loopholes exploited by criminals, further enhancing their ability to protect the lives of property owners while upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace and order in the State. This visit is expected to bolster the continuous efforts to combat crime, foster accountability, and ensure the efficient prosecution of cases. It also highlights the continued partnership between the police force and the legal system, both of which are integral to the upholding of human rights and the enforcement of justice. In attendance: Acting Permanent Secretary/Solicitor General, MoJ, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga; DCP. Lateef Ahmed; SP. Yetunde Cardoso; SP. Benjamin Hundeyin and other Directors in the Ministry of Justice.

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Re: Police Prosecutorial Power In The State Magistrate Courts.

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… Position of Lagos State  – Attorney-General The Ministry of Justice is aware of the current clamour by the Non-Governmental Organizations and Stakeholders to stop Police prosecution of criminal matters in Magistrate Courts in accordance to ACJA provisions. The Ministry, wish to clearly state, that the ACJA does not apply to Lagos State. Furthermore, there is no provision of any Law barring the Police from prosecution of criminal matters in Magistrate Courts in Lagos State. As such, the provision of the Law in Lagos State as it stands does not Bar the Police from the prosecution of matters in Magistrate Courts.  However, the Ministry of Justice is always willing to investigate any issue that would improve Administration of Justice in the State.  As a result, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN had directed the set – up of a committee to look into the matter and advice accordingly.  The committee members are as follows: Arthur Worrey Esq – Chairman  T. K Shitta-Bey (Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Justice) – Member Y. G Oshoala (Directorate of Public Prosecution) – Member  Lawson Coker – Member Bayo Akinlade – Member Rukayat Owolabi – Member Arinola Ayokanmbi – Member.  More importantly, the Ministry is currently in the process of reviewing the State Laws relating to the Administration of Criminal Justice.  The Ministry hereby assures members of the public that they would be informed on the outcome of the committee’s report.

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Lagos Inagurates Committee To Review Laws Empowering Police To Prosecute In Magistrate Court.

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… Appoints Fola Arthur-Worrey As Chairman Lagos State Government on Wednesday inaugurated an advisory committee on Police Prosecutions in Magistrate Courts to review Laws enabling Police prosecutorial power. The committee’s inauguration was in response to the clamour by Non-Governmental Organizations and Stakeholders to Bar Police Prosecutions of Criminal matters at the state Magistrate in accordance to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Acts (ACJA). While inaugurating the Seven member advisory committee, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, said the government will announce its position on the matter after the recommendation of the committee, which will be made known to the general public. Part of the Committee’s terms of reference are as follows:1. The State of Law in terms of Police Prosecutorial powers2. Challenges of oversight functions of the AG3. Distinctions in the type of offences police can prosecute4. Magistrate Court Jurisdiction on criminal matters and it’s powers to review charges5. Track the Number of criminal cases filed at the Magistrate courts in Lagos State within a given period and how many cases where successfully prosecuted6. Whether the Office of the DPP can take over prosecution in over 150 magistrate courts in Lagos7. Types and categories of cases Police prosecutors handle in the Magistrate court. He added that the members were carefully selected based on their wealth of experience in State Criminal Justice practice. Onigbanjo assured NGOs and residents in the state that  government’s final decisions will be based on fairness, devoid of sentiments and bias. The Attorney-General urged the advisory committee to look beyond Lagos State in their deliberations and likewise consider the Laws of the Country inorder to give a balanced advise. “I hereby urge you to look beyond Lagos State being a Pace setter to others in your deliberation to make informed decisions in your advise. In his remarks, the Chairman of theAdvisory Committee, Fola Arthur-Worrey, commended the Attorney-General for the choice of committee members selected. Arthur- Worrey promised that the committee will put in their best to make sure they present to the government, a rational recommendation within a month. The Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary Titilayo Shitta-Bey, in her address noted that the recommendations of the advisory committee would enhance the effective Administration of Justice in the State. The Seven member advisory committee include:Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey – ChairmanMr. Norrison Quakers, SAN – MemberMs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey (Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice) – MemberMr. Yhaqub Oshoala (Director, Public Prosecutions) – MemberDSP- Yetunde Cardoso, O/C Legal Dept, Criminal Investigation, Yaba, Lagos. – MemberMr. Bayo Akinlade, NBA Ikorodu Chairman- MemberMrs. Rukayat Owolabi – MemberMrs. Arinola Momoh-Ayokanmbi – Secretary

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