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.