*..., ₦1.5 BILLION TAX RECOVERY, AND OVER 25,000 CRIMINAL CASES DIGITIZED*
The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, on Tuesday 30th of September, 2025 held a press briefing and media parley to commemorate his second year in office at the Ministry of Justice Conference room, Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja.
Mr. Pedro, who was sworn into office on 13th September 2023 following his appointment by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and confirmation by the Lagos State House of Assembly, described the two-year milestone as an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and highlight significant accomplishments that have shaped governance, protected rights, and expanded access to justice in Lagos.
In his address, the AG noted that legal advisory services to Ministries, Departments and Agencies have become faster and more efficient, while the prosecution and defence of cases on behalf of the State Government have been greatly strengthened.
A landmark success was the Supreme Court judgment affirming the constitutional authority of Lagos State to regulate lotteries and games of chance, thereby protecting State revenue and entrenching fiscal federalism.
He disclosed that the State has already returned to court to initiate contempt proceedings against the National Assembly for attempting to override the judgment through a Central Gaming Bill.
On criminal prosecution, Mr. Pedro recalled the conviction of Andrew Nice in the BRT rape and murder case, describing it as proof of the Ministry’s resolve to deliver justice without fear or favour.
He also highlighted the use of plea bargain, with 361 applications processed in the last two years, out of which 314 were approved, helping to decongest correctional centres. Additionally, 263 deserving inmates were released under the Governor’s prerogative of mercy, while 348 restorative justice cases were received, with agreements reached in 192.
The Attorney General noted that although the Community Service Unit had faced setbacks in previous years, it has now been fully revitalised. The Head Office has been renovated with improved facilities, pioneer project officers have been absorbed into the Civil Service, and new buses, tools and safety equipment have been provided for effective operations. As a result of these interventions, 4,800 offenders have successfully carried out community service sentences in Lagos State over the last two years.
Pedro revealed that the Lagos State Criminal Information System (LCIS), a databank automating criminal case records, now contains 78,982 cases, including 25,822 recorded between September 2023 and September 2025. This, he said, strengthens transparency and long-term criminal justice planning.
On fiscal governance, Pedro announced that the establishment of Revenue Courts and a dedicated Revenue Recovery Unit has already yielded impressive results. He cited one notable bank that paid ₦1.5 billion in outstanding taxes following enforcement proceedings, with others now making arrangements to settle their liabilities.
In safeguarding property rights, he confirmed that in the last two years, he signed 738 Deemed Grants and 810 Regularisation files, while the Lagos State Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers treated 982 petitions, enforcing sanctions against offenders in 124 confirmed cases of land grabbing.
On the fight against human trafficking, the Attorney General reported that the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking (LASTAHT), which had been dormant since 2020, has been revitalised and recently facilitated the safe repatriation of seven Nigerian victims trafficked to Ghana.
He stressed that staff welfare and motivation have been deliberately prioritised, with junior staff benefiting from their first retreat in a decade, senior management commencing a three-day retreat, and staff enjoying robe and litigation allowances, new buses, and functional elevators. For the first time, 10 flats have been secured as staff quarters for Counsel, reducing the accommodation burden on legal officers.
Concluding his address, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, described the Ministry of Justice under his leadership as not just the custodian of the rule of law but a driver of social change and inclusive development.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his support, trust, and confidence in granting him the opportunity to serve Lagos State as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
Delivering his welcome address earlier, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, described the occasion as a moment of pride for the entire Ministry.
He noted that the second-year anniversary of the Hon. Attorney General provided an opportunity to reflect on the Ministry’s steady progress in deepening access to justice, strengthening fiscal governance, and safeguarding the rights of citizens.
Oyenuga assured that the Ministry will continue to support the Attorney General’s vision and uphold the standard of excellence that has made the Lagos State Ministry of Justice a model in Nigeria's Justice Sector.
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