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Lagos Gov’t secures over 320 judgments, approves 100 plea bargains in one year
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government has achieved a significant milestone in its justice sector, securing over 320 judgments in favor of the state in various courts across the state.
This feat was accomplished in just one year, according to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN.
Speaking at a Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the first year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office on Wednesday, Pedro revealed that the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) secured 230 judgments in favor of the state, while the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) obtained 40 judgments.
He said the state government approved 100 plea bargains during the same period, demonstrating its commitment to efficient and effective justice administration.
“In the period under review, a total number of 230 judgements were obtained in favour of the State by OPD. This is in addition to receiving a total of 4,272 petitions and 1,788 court cases (family, industrial, civil, and criminal court cases) across seven of its office locations, including six outstation offices, and OPD headquarters, or through the courts,” he disclosed.
Also, The Attorney General revealed extensive activity in the past year, including the handling of 1,812 child-related cases, 316 domestic violence cases, and 29 rescue missions.
The agency received a total of 1,988 cases from courts and correctional centers, covering criminal, industrial, civil, and family matters. Of these, 448 cases were successfully concluded, and the Office recovered ₦59,326,549 for clients and beneficiaries.
Pedro, representing the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), reported 40 court judgments and 11 plea bargains, with seven cases struck out and four discharged.
He revealed that the DPP received 377 files for legal advice, issuing advice on 229 and leaving 148 pending. Additionally, the Directorate processed 158 plea bargain applications, approving 100, declining two, and leaving 56 pending.
“The Directorate for Citizens’ Rights handled 755 family petitions, 131 employee/employer petitions, and 744 tenancy petitions, successfully resolving 539 family matters, 80 employee/employer matters, and 577 tenancy matters.
“The Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC) received 35,655 mediation matters, resolving 20,691. However, 14,964 cases remain unresolved due to non-attendance by concerned parties” He added.
On the DSVA, the Attorney General revealed that the agency handled 4,641 adult domestic violence cases and 2,976 children cases, with 118 rape cases and rescued 64 people in the last one year, adding that the agency obtained over 50 judgements in courts, 36 restraining order, handled 652 social welfare cases, concluded mediation in 107 cases and reached over 800,000 people in the community through advocacy and sensitisation.
Pedro also disclosed that a total number of 10,266 offenders were arrested, arraigned and convicted for various minor offences by the Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court, saying that the actions of the Court had been able to reduce criminal activities of miscreant by charging them to court and ensuring custodial sentencing.
The Attorney General added that the Lagos State Special Taskforce on Landgrabbers in the period under review received 582 petitions out which 120 were concluded, saying that other notable achievements included 71 enforcement approvals and 33 inscription approvals.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Friday, graduated 271 of it’s personnel trained in different specialties to enhance its operational capability.
In a remark at the ceremony in Kaduna, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said that NAF would continue to place high premium on capacity building and development of personnel for effective and8 imperatives.
Abubakar described the graduation as a milestone not only in the history of both training institutions but also in the careers of the graduating officers.
According to him, the NAF Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM) has continued to provide training in human resource management and other administration-related specialties, in line with global best practices for enhanced professionalism of NAF personnel.
“Similarly, the NAFSMAM has provided skilled medical professionals for effective healthcare delivery in support of NAF objectives,” he said.
Abubakar also said that the two training institutions have continued to live up to their mandates and urged them to keep up the good work they were doing.
The Air Chief said that NAF, under his leadership, is committed to deliberate training and mission-oriented force development which, he said, was one of the key enablers of his command’s philosophy.
“It thus gladdens my heart that the NAFIAM is working towards becoming an accredited diploma-awarding institution.
“I am aware that the institute is in top gear to affiliate with Lagos State University and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria.
“This move will help upgrade the institute and give it the recognition it deserves,” Abubakar said.
He, therefore, advised the Commandant of NAFIAM not to relent in his pursuit to affiliate the institute with the civil tertiary institutions.
He further said that NAF Headquarters was reviewing the modalities for the commencement of Advanced Personnel and Administrative Management Officers’ Course.
“This novel initiative will enable the institute to enhance the skill sets of senior officers, ensuring they are better equipped to handle complex administrative tasks and personnel management responsibilities, effectively.
Also, he described the Basic Medical Course as being the first of its kind in NAF.
“I would, therefore, like to commend the Chief of Medical Services and entire Medical Services Branch for this remarkable achievement.
“I would also like to commend the NAFSMAM for the successful accreditation of Pharmacy Technicians Course by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria.
“The success of the accreditation has paved the way for the commencement of a three-year professional diploma course in the next academic session,” Abubakar said.
He disclosed that notable accomplishments of the NAFSMAM prompted NAF authorities to approve the German Technical Advisory Group’s proposal to incorporate the Air Mobile First Aid Unit as a department within the school, thereby enhancing its training capabilities.
“You must show commendable level of professionalism in discharging your assigned tasks, remember that your core duty is to protect the territorial integrity of this great nation.
“I am confident that, with our continued commitment and sustained effort, we shall overcome every threat to the peace and security of our dear country, Nigeria,” Abubakar said.
Accordingly, the NAF has equally re-strategised for utmost utilisation of all equipment and resources provided by the government in order to continually attain the NAF’s establishment roles and functions.
“Do not forget that discipline is the bedrock of any fighting force.
“You must, therefore, uphold the high standards of discipline that the Nigerian Air Force is known for,” Abubakar said.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unrelenting support to NAF.
The graduands were from NAFIAM and NAFSMAM also reports that 248 graduated from NAFIAM and 23 from NAFSMAM.
Highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to deserving students, who distinguished themselves during their studies.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has launched the operational manual for inland dry port projects.
The launching took place in Jos on Thursday.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Mr Akutah Pius, made this known in a statement he issued on Friday.
He said that the council had played a pivotal role in ensuring the development of inland dry ports across designated locations in the country.
He said that the Jos Inland Dry in Heipang was one of the dry port projects being facilitated by the NSC to bring shipping facilities to shippers in the hinterlands.
“It is also to create employment opportunities for citizens and accrue substantial revenue to the government,” he said.
He said that, with concerted efforts of the host state government and other key players, the Jos Inland Dry Port project would soon become a reality.
According to him, the Jos Inland Dry Port is strategically located to serve not only the host state but also neighbouring states.
He noted that the Plateau State Investment and Property Development Company had acquired Jos Inland Dry Port from Duncan Maritime Services Ltd. in 2022.
He said that with the new development, the new concessionaires and the host state government would drive the project.
Pius quoted Plateau Gov. Caleb Murtfwang as describing the launching of the Inland Dry Port as a milestone, considering the economic potential of the state.
Pius also quoted Plateau Commissioner for Commerce, Mr Musa Sule, as describing Nigerian Shippers’ Council as a key partner in the development of the port project.
He also quoted the Coordinator, North Central Zone of the council, Alhaji Ahmed Umar, as saying that the launching of the operational manual was to adequately guide stakeholders and operators on how best to use inland dry ports.
He equally quoted the President of Plateau State Shippers Association, Hajia Aisa Bashir, as giving the assurance of the association’s readiness to enlighten shippers on the operational manual.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and ensuring the safety of products in the market.
Its Acting Executive Chairman, Dr Adamu Abdullahi, gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen after a surveillance exercise by the commission at some steel companies in Lagos State and Ogun on Friday.
The companies include African Foundries, Monarch Steel Mill Ltd., and Kam Steel Integrated Company, all on Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway.
The FCCPC boss said that intelligence and surveillance reports obtained by the commission indicated that certain companies were involved in anti-competitive behaviour.
“This is why we decided to visit three of these companies to examine their operations and review their records, as well as analyse ten of their products.
“We aim to identify any false, misleading, and deceptive practices that could harm consumers,” he stated.
He said that one major concern noted was the discrepancy in product specifications.
“For instance, consumers purchasing 12mm rods often receive 10mm rods instead, which contributes to the building collapses we frequently witness.
“Ensuring the safety of our people is a core responsibility, and these deceptive practices are unacceptable,” said Abdullahi.
He stressed the need for thorough inspections and transparency.
“We are looking at their processes to determine if any corners are being cut. If we find evidence of such practices, we will apply the full extent of the law,” he added.
Abdullahi, also said that the companies visited cooperated with the commission’s officials by providing information needed during the surveillance exercises.
He said, “So far, they have been very cooperative. They consulted their lawyers, who advised them to comply with our investigation, and they have provided us with the required information.”
On collaboration with relevant industry bodies, he said that FCCPC had been working with the Steel Manufacturing Association, the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, among others.
He also said that the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) had provided technical advice, ensuring the commision was guided by industry standards.
Addressing the timeline for the investigation, he explained, “The duration depends on the volume of information gathered.
“Some investigations have taken longer due to the sheer amount of data involved.
“We assure you that we will work diligently to conclude as quickly as possible and publish our findings.”
Regarding market impact and potential punitive measures, he noted that sanctions depend on the nature of the offence and would be on strictly adhering to the guidelines set out in the FCCPC Act.
NAF trains 271 specialists, prioritises capacity building – CAS
Shippers’ Council launches operational manual for inland dry ports
