The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has recorded significant achievements in the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, including the recovery of over ₦10 billion and the prosecution of 73,962 criminal cases.
This was disclosed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), during the Y2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held on Wednesday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa.
Highlighting the Ministry’s strides, Mr. Pedro stated that between January 2024 and May 2025 alone, more than 10,000 criminal cases were processed across the state’s correctional facilities. These achievements were largely supported by the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS), a centralised databank that has improved coordination and transparency in the justice system.
In response to the growing challenge of prison congestion—currently at 106% over capacity—Pedro noted that the state has expanded non-custodial sentencing options. A total of 10,120 offenders completed community service across 18 designated locations, promoting restorative justice and easing the burden on correctional centres.
Addressing petty crimes and maintaining public order, the Special Offences Mobile Court prosecuted 71,023 individuals for offences including traffic violations, street trading, and vandalism. Pedro said this enforcement has helped deter crime and uphold discipline across the state.
The Ministry also made impressive progress in civil and economic justice. The Citizens Mediation Centre resolved 141,404 out of 214,342 received cases, recovering ₦2.2 billion for complainants. Additionally, the Office of the Administrator-General and Public Trustee resolved 566 estate cases from 620 petitions, disbursing ₦1.27 billion and generating ₦2.35 billion in revenue.
Public legal assistance saw remarkable activity, with the Public Advisory Centre handling 197,649 citizen enquiries and the Bureau of Public Defender securing 1,323 court judgments and recovering ₦291 million for disadvantaged residents. Meanwhile, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency attended to over 8,000 cases, reached 6 million people through outreach, and provided direct support to more than 4,000 survivors.
On infrastructure and staff welfare, Pedro announced the commissioning of a new Commercial Court at Tapa and the full reconstruction of the J.I.C. Taylor Courthouse, now featuring 24 modern courtrooms. In a landmark move, the Governor approved the construction of 34 three-bedroom apartments for Magistrates’ Quarters, with 10 also allocated to State Counsel.
Commercial legal activities also brought in over ₦6.5 billion through contract reviews and advisory services by the Directorate of Commercial Law, reflecting the Ministry’s impact in enhancing investor confidence through legal certainty.
Legislatively, the Ministry saw the passage of key laws such as the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law, the Victims Assistance and Witness Protection Law, and the Fire and Rescue Service Law. Several others, including Tenancy Reform and Domestic Violence Protection bills, are under legislative review.
In a major regional development, Lagos hosted a sensitisation outreach with the ECOWAS Community Court, aimed at increasing awareness of the court’s mandate and positioning Lagos as a central hub for regional legal cooperation.
Pedro concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to innovation, accessibility, and fairness, pledging to continue improving justice delivery for all Lagosians.
