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Lockdown: Lagos CJ Suspends all Court Activities.

All court activities have been suspended in the five judicial divisions of the Lagos state Judiciary, the Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba has said.

Justice Alogba issued the order following the lock down announced by President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to combat the Coronavirus pandemic in the state.

The order was contained in a circular titled: “Entry Into Court Premises Guidelines No. 2” dated March 30, 2020 and signed on his behalf by the Chief Registrar, Mrs Taiwo Olatokun.

It notified members of the public of the suspension of all court activities effective yesterday, Tuesday, March 31 until further notice.

The chief Judge directed Administrative Magistrates in the seven Magistrative Districts to sit only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and only to take between hours of 10.00 a.m. and   1. 00 p.m. and take only remand and bail applications on offences such as terrorism, armed robbery, homicide and other non-bailable offences.

It listed the seven Magisterial Districts to include Ikeja,Lagos, Yaba, Ikorodu, Apapa, Badagry and Epe.

Body of Retired Judges of Lagos Judiciary Felicitates With Justice Isiaka Oluwa, 101.

Retired judges of the Lagos State Judiciary yesterday paid a courtesy visit to one of their own, Justice Isiaka Oluwa, aged 101.

They were received by his wife, Olaide, who ushered them into the family’s large sitting room at his Ilupeju, Lagos residence. The visit by the retired judges to Justice Oluwa was the first of its kind in the history of the Lagos State Judiciary.

He was appointed a judge of the Lagos judiciary in 1974 and retired 37 years ago having attained the mandatory age of retirement.

The body of retired judges of the Lagos State Judiciary wasl ed by Justice Ishola Olorunnimbe, OON. Others are former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, Justice Yishau Yusufu, Justice A.O. Silva, Justice S. O. Ishola, Justice S. O. Hupomu-Wusu, Justice Abike Lufadeju, Justice Titilola Ojikutu-Oshode,Justice Yetunde Idowu, Justice Doris Okuwobi and Justice Olaide Olayinka.

The retired judge was presented with gifts including baskets of varieties of fruits

In his remarks, Justice Olorunnimbe said: “we are making history today as retired judges of the Lagos State Judiciary. This courtesy visit is to let you know that we have not forgotten you”.

He said they deem it fit to share felicitations with him now that he is still alive adding that they will also be with him when he clocks102 years.

Olorunnimbe described Justice Oluwa as a “very remarkable judge and a beacon of hope to all of the retired judges of the Lagos Judiciary”.

He recalled that he had a wonderful time on the bench of Lagos Judiciary.

“We pray to attain your age but not to surpass it. We pray Almighty God to give you more life and good health”, he prayed.

In a vote of thanks, Mrs. Olaide Oluwa, thanked the judges for the felicitations extended to their family.

She expressed appreciation to them and prayed God to give judges on the bench of the Lagos Judiciary with wisdom with which to determine cases brought before them.

Justice Eniola Folorunso Longe, A Great, Eminent Jurist, by Justice Alogba, Onigbanjo.

The Lagos State Judiciary has held a Valedictory Court Session in honour of late Justice Eniola Folorunso Longe. The event was held at The Foyer, High Court of Lagos State. It had in attendance judges and magistrates of the High Court of Lagos State, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) and Body of Benchers and many legal practitioners among others.

The late Justice Eniola Longe retired from the Lagos State Judiciary in2002 after 19 years of meritorious service to the state Judiciary. He rose to number three position in hierarchy of Lagos State Judiciary before his retirement. He joined the Lagos State bench in March 1983 following pressure and recommendations from some eminent jurists and the bar, particularly the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SANs) because of his rich credentials.

Lagos State Chief Judge,Honourable Justice Kazeem Alogba, in his valedictory speech, described the late Justice Longe as "a great jurist who dedicated himself to the service and practice of law", adding, " we could say law was his first love." According to Justice Alogba, the late Justice Longe's mind was aroused to study law the day he met late Chief T.O.S. Benson who later became his mentor.

Alogba said, the late jurist, while working as a teacher at Ijebu Muslim College, Ijebu Ode, busied himself preparing for the challenges ahead by reading many books on philosophy, Logic and Latin. He said in 1958, the late judge enrolled for the Holborn Law College correspondence courses. He said he later gained admission and studied law at University College, London between1964 and 1966 and obtained his LLB (Hons) certificate and BL Certificate from the Nigerian Law School in 1968. The late Justice Longe joined the Lagos Judiciary in 1983 and served in various capacities until he retired in 2002. He was Chairman, Armed Robbery Tribunal, Ikeja Zone, between 1986 and 1989.

After obtaining his BL from Certificate from the Nigerian Law School in 1968,the young Longe relocated to Kaduna and joined the Chambers of Thanni and Associates where he cut his legal teeth in private practice. Longe combined his private practice with post graduate studies following his admission into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1975 and completed the programme in 1977. He subsequently proceeded to Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Lagos in 1986. The late Justice Longe started his own private practice called Eniola Longe and Co.(Onibeji Chambers) in Makurdi. Alogba said Longe's career on the bench started when he crossed to the bench and became a Magistrate in Kaduna State Judiciary between 1972 and 1974. He was appointed a Senior Magistrate in Kaduna State and served between 1974 and 1976 and rose to become a Chief Magistrate in Kaduna as at 1977. He was Chief Registrar of Kaduna State High Court of Justice between 1977 and 1978 and was later appointed Director, Public Prosecution,Ministry of Justice, Kaduna. He later rose through the ranks to become the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Kaduna between1979 and 1980.

Alogba adduced the late Justice Longe's "meteoric rise" to the top of his career in Kaduna, described as a strange land, to "his prodigious and unstinting devotion to the practice of law". He said Justice Longe returned to Lagos in 1981 and went straight back to private legal practice and first set up his chamber in his home town, Ikorodu and later opened anothe roffice at Olowu Street, Ikeja. He said Justice Longe lived an exemplary life,was a loving caring husband to his wife and father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren

Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) in his address at the occasion said the late Justice Longe "stretched through the length and breadth of the legal practice, a feat which only a few have ever achieved". Onigbanjo gave an account of the journey of the late jurist through legal education abroad and at home and practice on the bar and movement to the bench and service in the Northern Nigeria and Lagos state. Onigbanjo recalled that Justice Longe was sworn in as a Judge of Lagos State Judiciary in1983 and served meritoriously in various capacities for 19 years until his retirement.

According to him,Justice Longe "contributed immensely to the development of law and jurisprudence in Nigeria. "A cursory analysis of My Lords profile depicts him as a thorough and vibrant jurist, educationist per excellence for whom integrity, hard work, fairness and aspiration to do justice at all times were articles of faith. "He is described as a father and friend to all and an adversary to none. "Undoubtedly in my view, his greatest strength was his disarming humility and courtesy to all who encountered him", he said of the late judge. The Lagos State Attorney General remarked that the Valedictory Court Session was to celebrate the late judge for his 19 years of"meritorious service to the state and for "a life-long service to the nation."

Honourable Justice Okuwobi, A Quintessential Jurist, Bows Out.

The Lagos State Judiciary hasheld a Valedictory Court Session in honour of its Administrative Judge,Honourable Justice Doris Tomilayo Okuwobi, who retired after 42 years ofservice which many described as “meritorious and fulfilling”.

The special court session held atThe Foyer, High Court of Lagos State, Igbosere last Friday to coincide with herbirthday 65^th birthday in line with known tradition. She was bornJanuary 10, 1955.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, HonourableJustice Kazeem Alogba, in his remarks, said he was reluctant to let go ofJustice Okuwobi.  “I found it difficultto believe she is retiring because she has been of invaluable value to us. Thearray of judges of the High Court and justices of the Court of Appeal presenthere today are a testimony of her invaluable estimation to Lagos Judiciary”, hesaid.

Justice Alogba further said thatit was a thing of joy to witness Justice Okuwobi bowing out of service “withoutblemish and any health issue”.

He said Justice Okuwobi was aninvaluable asset, not just to the judiciary but also to Lagos State.

“She is a very cerebral judge,very painstaking, very considerable, a good mother to all and a quintessentialjudicial officer.

“I pray that Almighty Godcontinue to be with her during her retirement”, he said.

The Lagos State Attorney Generaland Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) in his tribute inhonour of the retired judge described her as a “brilliant Nigerian and a Juristof enviable character” and expressed his belief that she retired from a richand fulfilling career.

Onigbanjo remarked: “It is Juristsuch as my Lord that makes one make a case for the elongation of the term ofyears for High Court Judges.

“There is a saying that the menwho succeed are the efficient few who have the ambition and will power todevelop themselves. Justice Okuwobi was one of those. She was a distinguishedlawyer per excellence and combined her dedication to duty with the power tosucceed and braced up to develop herself.

The list of fine judgementsdelivered by Justice Okuwobi speaks for itself about the dedication with whichshe carried on her constitutional duty while remaining conscious of the socialrealities. Some of those publicized judgements were upheld by the Appellatecourts.

“I have to say that the LagosHigh Court will miss Justice Okuwobi deeply. I would like to quote MahatmaGandhi who said ‘there are no good byes for us; wherever you are you willalways be in our hearts’.

On behalf of the Lagos StateMinistry of Justice, and my colleagues, I wish your Lordship continued soundhealth and deep contentment in all your future endeavours”, Onigbanjo said.

BOSAN which was represented by aformer Lagos State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice,Lawal Pedro (SAN), in their tribute, said Justice Okuwobi served “meritoriouslyand creditably”.

“A quintessential jurist whocontributed effectively to Lagos Judiciary and these are evident in herlandmark judgment in cases she handled.

“She was a thorough jurist in herown right who believes in justice and fairness and do justice without fair orfavour”.

Chairman, Magistrates Associationof Nigeria, Lagos State Branch, Princess A. B. Olagbegi-Adelabu described theretired jurist as a “combination of beauty and brains”.  She said the degree of what they put intoapplications filed before her has helped to prepare them for what they haveachieved today.

Olagbegi-Adelabu said JusticeOkuwobi impacted positively on Magistrates in the state.

“She was a source of inspirationto many of us as a result of the numerous encounter we had with her. Herinterest in the girl child remain unsurpassable.

” We pray that she would spendher remaining days in prosperity and good health”, she said.

Chairman, NBA Ikorodu,  Bayo Akinlade in his address commended herpunctuality at work, noting she was always in court by 8.00 a.m.  He also praised her dedication to duty and stressedthe need for all to be dutiful and dedicated to work.

“You encouraged me and I amgrateful for that”, he said.

Chairman, NBA Ikeja Branch,Prince Dele Oloke , in his address, described Justice Okuwobi as a thoroughjudge.

Prince Oloke said: “You gave a goodaccount of yourself as a Solicitor General under a military regime and toldthem the truth. While on the bench, you were very thorough, painstaking, reportpunctually on the bench.

“My branch, Ikeja branch of NBA,told me to tell you that you are a courageous judge. Let me tell you thequality of a courageous judge. You shun them at the centre, you embracecontentment, ability to speak the truth and exert the rule of law.

The Legal Adviser of NBA, LagosBranch, Harry Ukaejiofor, who represented the chairman of the branch, in hisaddress noted that the life of the retired judge has been dedicated to the ruleof law and enthronement of justice.

“This is the finish line of alegal career which started 42 years in 1978”, he noted, adding that on her lastday on the bench, minutes after 4.00 p.m., on Thursday, Okuwobi delivered alandmark judgment in her court, attesting to her dedication to duty.

Ukaejiofor said she was kind inand out of the bench and urged all to be kind to one another.

 “She compliments her staff when they do well,a team player and detribalized person. She always gives advice on benefits ofcontentment. We will miss her greatly”, he added.

Responding to the honour doneher, Honourable Justice Okuwobi, noted recent development in the country andacross the world.

She stressed the need toreposition the judiciary effectively, for optimum growth and improved servicedelivery.

“Our judicial process therefore,must be re-engineered and further strengthened to achieve desired goal andenhanced judicial services. In the same vein as we must ensure that theJudiciary is insulated from all forms of infraction, perceived or pre-meditatedviews or notions that tend to detract it from the functions, responsibilitiesand powers of the Judiciary.

“The Judiciary of the 21stCentury must be such that boldly could hold its own, assert its independence,authority and integrity, and rise above the vagaries of limitations andchallenges, to assume its rightful position in modern society. Bearing in mindits critical role and function in ensuring good governance, law and order inthe society”.

According to her: “Justice mustnot only be served, we must ensure at all time, ' that the judicial process ispurged of all encumbrances, identified flaws and clogs on the wheels ofjustice.

“In moving the judiciary forward,our reform strategies must be rightly focused and such that inspires hope,trust and confidence in our judicial system. For this to be achieved, theindependence of judiciary as boldly enunciated in the 1999 Constitution must bestrictly adhered to. This is essential and critical, as there are no two waysto it”, she said.

Though now retired, sheemphasized that her utmost desire and passion would be to see the Judiciaryprogress further.

“Like every other professional,citizen and parent, I crave for a better society, an improved climate forenhanced security, good governance and justice. A society our children andgeneration yet unborn would be proud of. This is the challenge before us.

Looking ahead into the future, Iam no doubt confident with strong hope of a much brighter, fulfilled andprogressively inspired future. A hope premised on the quality and pedigree ofJudicial Officers, Personnel and resource available to the Lagos StateJudiciary.

“Having a hope deeply rooted inYour Lordships‘ ability to lead the Judiciary further into its desired future”,she stressed.

As she bowing out of office,Okuwobi expressed conviction that the State Judiciary has over time evolved toan enviable height and that she was proud to be associated with it.

“Going forward, it is my viewthat our focus in the years and decades ahead would be to evolve effective andinnovative strategies to further the growth of the State Judiciary for a morepurpose-driven change and transformation in our Judicial System. Among others,our efforts should be to ensure that Lagos State Judiciary remained “Primusinter pares” in the quality of justice delivery.

’As a Judiciary Officers, l mustnote that the challenge of growth and development of the Judiciary especially,as we step into new decade, not only rest on our shoulders, but in ourindividual and collective ability, strength and 'determination to inspirechange in the right direction. The world is fast changing and the need for enhancedJudicial System in line.

 Earlier, in a welcome address, the ChiefRegistrar, Mrs. Taiwo Olatokun also noted that the hall mark of the retiredjudge was hard work and that she had respect for junior staff alike. She saidJustice Okuwobi served judiciously and meritoriously.

She said she would also beremembered for her kindness, hard work and prayed God for long life for theretiree.

Tunde Okuwobi, on behalf of theirfamily, thanked the Lagos State Judiciary, Attorney General, the Bench, theBar, Body of Benchers and BOSAN, the different branches of the NBA and other well-wishersfor the honour and a befitting valedictory court session accorded their mother.

Lagos Chief Judge Promises Improved Capacity Building for Judiciary Staff.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State,Honourable Justice K. O. Alogba has restated the need for improved capacity building amongst the staff of the State Judiciary, saying that adequate training was needed to advance the present state of justice delivery in the State.

Justice Alogba spoke recently at the Year 2019 Management Retreat for the judiciary officers with the theme"Treading the Path of Excellence Through Strategic Transformation"held at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki.

He also reiterated his commitment towards ensuring effective service delivery through the provision of all necessary tools and equipment for a seamless service delivery to the people of the State

The Chief Judge added that the judiciary has put in place a robust welfare package for its officers as a way of addressing sharp practices among the judiciary officers.

Amongst the Resource Facilitators at the retreat was a retired Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Civil Service,Mr. Bashir Braimoh who drilled participants on the “Role of Effective Leadership in Achieving Organisational Vision”.

“The Role of The Public Service in Enhancing Effectiveness in Service Delivery” was another paper presented by a retired Director in the Lagos State Public Service, Mr. Remi Ajalogun, while other papers were on “Emotional Intelligence” and “Health Matters and Well being” which was delivered by Mr. Femi Okunuga & Dr. Shodimu respectively.

Sanwo-Olu Restates Collaboration with State Judiciary … Presents 50 cars to Magistrates.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu today demonstrated his commitment to support the State Judiciary in the discharge of their duties with the presentation of 50 KIA Automobiles to magistrates of the Lagos State Judiciary.

The Governor at the presentation, said that his decision to make life moderately comfortable for officials of the State Judiciary was in recognition of the critical roles in the interpretation and application of laws for the maintenance of peaceful co-existence across the State.

The Governor who was accompanied by his Deputy, some Exco Members as well as top government officials to the presentation promised to partner with the State Judiciary to ensure an efficient and effective justice service delivery in the State.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Kazeem Alogba thanked the Governor for making his promise a reality with the first phase of the presentation of 50 vehicles, describing it as a promise kept

He maintained that the vehicles were long overdue to the Magistrates who had waited since 2010 for their official vehicles and had continued to discharged their duties despite the various challenges associated to the delivery of their assignments.

He therefore called on the Governor to assist in granting approval to ensure that the gesture is extended to other serving Magistrates in the State.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Chief Registrar Mrs.Taiwo Olatokun expressed appreciation to the Governor for the kind gesture,pledging that the Magistrates would do their best to ensure unhindered access to free and fair justice delivery for every residents of the State.

Lagos State Judiciary Celebrates 2019/2020 New Legal Year ! .

Lagos State Government has assured the judiciary of it's support and corporation of the executive to ensure the successful implementation of the reforms been initiated by the new Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba.

Governor Babjide Sanwo-Olu who gave the assurance said this has become imperative in order for the state judiciary to further consolidate it's "primus position of the Lagos Judiciary in the Federation".

The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat  stated this yesterday in his address at the special service for the opening of the Lagos State Judiciary 2019/2020 legal year.

"The Judicial sector plays a critical role in ensuring low and order through the protection of rights of all citizens irrespective of status and stature"

"We will therefore work with you and do our utmost best to provide solutions to the challenges that may constitute obstacles to effective, efficient and impartial justice delivery in Lagos State"

The governor assured judiciary of the provision of new courts to facilitate access to and quick delivery of Justice.

"I have approved the completion of the combined High and Magistrate Courts in Ajah. In a few months time this multipurpose court would be completed and handed over to the Lagos State Judiciary".

In a remark, the Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba thanked the governor for the support stressing that the executive have been a pillar of support since it's assumption of office.

The Chief Judge who claimed to have held meeting with the Controller of Prison in the state, promised that judiciary under his watch would not contribute to prison congestion.

He promised to pursue community sentence and restorative justice.

He admonished Judges and Magistrate not to drift away from the part of righteousness, stressing that they should deliver judgement with the fear of God.
He also advised lawyers to present their cases with the fear of God, remanding them that it's what they present that Judges would use to determine cases.

"Temptation will come but if you hold on to God you will sumount all temptations"
The guest lecturers, Dr. Marufudeen Shittu and Imam Babatunde Alfa-Nla admonished Judges and Magistrates to research and pray for Allah's wisdom to be able to deliver justice with the fear of God.

They spoke on the topic "the concept of Justice in Islam citing the Holy Quran, Chapter 18 vs 24, Shittu admonishes legal practitioners against following their selfish interest, otherwise on the day of judgement they will found themselves in hell fire.

Alfa-Nla also stated that it was because that there was so much injustice that we have continue to seek justice.

He said Allah has commanded Judges to be just and fair in their dealings with other people and not just about themselves.

Ololade Ige/Adekunbi Bakare
Public Affairs Officers
23/09/2019

Justice Alogba Sworn-In As Lagos’ 17th Chief Judge.… Restates Commitment to Transformation of the Judiciary.

Following the ratification by National Judicial Council andconfirmation of the appointment of Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba as the17th Chief Judge of Lagos State by the State House of Assembly, Lagos StateGovernor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday sworn-in the State’s new ChiefJudge who had been presiding over the affairs of the state judiciary in actingcapacity since June 13.

The event which took place at the Banquet Hall at Governor’sOffice in Alausa was well attended by the new cabinet members of the State,members of the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. MudashirObasa, traditional rulers, legal luminaries among other distinguishedpersonalities.

While taking his oath of office, Justice Kazeem OlanrewajuAlogba pledged to sustain the independence of the judiciary and also to embarkon reform of the administration of justice system in the state.

The new Chief Judge said his tenure would witnesstransformation of judicial arm of government, promising to create what hedescribed as “smart judiciary”. This, he said, would be achieved by deployingtechnology tools that would enable the courts to dispense complicated cases ontime.

He said: “With a sense of responsibility, I stand before youall to accept the onerous tasks, which this office requires of me to perform. Iseek the guidance of Almighty Allah in carrying out those responsibilities ofthe office. In performing my duties, I shall key into the vision of theGovernor Sanwo-Olu administration in ensuring that we have smart judiciary byproviding first class judicial services in line with international bestpractice.

 “We will be deployingmore tools of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the provisionof our services. In-video conferencing of court proceedings has already startedand we will be doing more in this area.”

Justice Alogba, an indigene of Ikorodu, said there would be“rigorous training” for judicial staff to enhance capacity, promising that hewould maintain zero tolerance for corruption within the arm of the government.

The Chief Judge, however, lamented the dearth of judges inthe state, pointing out that Lagos had 54 judges in its employment to dispenseon thousands of cases filed daily in courts. This situation, he said, was as aresult of paucity of fund.

Alogba praised Gov. Sanwo-Olu for what he described as“unique benevolence” towards the state’s judiciary, noting that the Governorhad been attending to the needs of the judicial arm of government since heassumed office.

The Chief Judge, however, pleaded with the governor toincrease funding of the state judiciary for improved service delivery.

Sanwo-Olu said his administration would strengthen thecordial relationship between the executive and the judiciary, without erodingimpartiality and independence the courts. The Governor pledged to support thejudiciary to enable it provide the needs of judicial officers and discouragethe people to recourse to self-help.

He said: “Your Lordship, I rejoice with you on this historicand momentous occasion, which will usher in a glorious chapter in the historyof Lagos State judiciary. I have no doubt that your tenure as the head ofjudicial arm would further consolidate and advance the course of justicedelivery for the benefit of those who seek redress in court.

 “The ultimate goal ofthe judicial reforms which our Chief Judge has been part of is the need toensure speedy delivery of justice to all parties irrespective of status. Thisis the only way to strengthen the confidence of our people in the justice system.

 “I wish to use thisopportunity to declare the total support of the executive arm. The objective toachieve a ‘Greater Lagos’ would not be possible without having impartial andindependent judicial arm of government.”

Sanwo-Olu described Alogba as a “plain judicial officer”,expressing confidence in the capacity of the Chief Judge to lead the statejudiciary.

The event was the first official function of the state’sAttorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, whopresented Justice Alogba to the public.

Lagos Assembly Confirms Hon. Justice Alogba as the Lagos Chief Judge.

The Lagos State House Of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba as the 17th Chief Judge of Lagos State on Tuesday at the plenary.

The House had earlier on Monday read a letter from the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu seeking his confirmation as the Chief Judge of the State.

The letter had posited Hon. Justice Alogba as the most senior of the 58 Honourable Justices in the State Judiciary and was appointed as the Acting Chief Judge from 11th of June, 2019.

His appointment was said to be based on merit, seniority and transparency in order to prevent a vacuum in the State judiciary due to the retirement of Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke on June 10th, 2019.

During cross-examination, Hon. Alogba was asked questions relating to his field and he responded accordingly.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa thereafter directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Azeez Sanni to forward the letter of his confirmation to the Governor.

I Never Instructed Magistrates To Refuse Protesters Bail - Lagos Chief Registrar.

The attention of the Lagos State Judiciary has been drawn to a news report in Sahara Reporters that the Chief Registrar has ordered Magistrates in the state not to grant bail to persons arraigned by police over Monday protest in Lagos.

We wish to state that there is no iota of truth in the report as no such instruction was given by the Chief Registrar.

We also wish to state that Magistrate Komolafe of Ebute Meta Magistrate Court in whose court some of the protesters were arraigned actually granted the defendants bail.

However, in line with generally known and established procedure, admission to bail by the court requires affected individuals to subsequently fulfill the conditions of bail for the bail to take full effect.This is purely at the instance of the defendants after the court has done its part and in this particular case, the defendants are in the process of complying with the bail conditions.

Lagos Judiciary Holds Special Valedictory Court Session.

Lagos State Judiciary yesterday held a special Valedictory Court Session for the former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Opeyemi Oke.

The event which attracted stakeholders in the judiciary held at The Foyer, Lagos High Court, Igbosere and had in attendance Judges an dMagistrates, legal practitioners including former Attorney General of the State, Adeniji Kazeem, the first lady silk, Chief (Mrs) Folake Solanke (SAN), first female Life Bencher, Mrs Hairat Balogun while the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) was represented by Mr Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN).

They all eulogised the former chief judge as ‘a jurist of positive change and first class reformer of administration of criminal justice administration’.

The acting Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba described Justice Oke as advocate of a positive change in the administration of justice.

Justice Alogba who read the citation of his predecessor described her as an achiever and a jurist with distinctive leadership qualities emphasizing that Justice Oke cherishes her oath of office and integrity.

Ayanlaja said those who appeared before Justice Oke would attest to the fact that “she was a judge per excellence”.

According to him, described the former Chief Judge of the state as one who had a hard stance for integrity adding that she had an infectious mannerisms which he said he retained till date.

“Justice Oke took to the bench as an analogue judge but retired as a digital judge; came in as a Christian but retired as a redeemed Christian; came in as a judge but left as a chief judge; came in as a mother but left as a grand-mother”, he stated.

Mrs Balogun said that as soon as she was appointed chief Judge, that Oke carried out wide ranging reforms in the state judiciary more than her predecessors and for which she would continue to be remembered for.

She listed some of the reforms initiated by Justice Oke and urged the acting chief judge and staff of the state judiciary to be courageous in sustaining her legacies.

Chief Solanke remarked that despite her short tenure which was less than two years, Justice Oke recorded “very impressive performance”adding that that was why she made it a point of duty to come to Lagos to honour her yesterday at the special court session.

Solanke reeled out the achievements of the former Chief Judge and urged staff of the state judiciary to emulate her, particularly her anti-corruption fight.

The chairman of Ikorodu Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Bayo Akinlade, who spoke on behalf of the five branches of NBA in Lagos state, said Justice Oke was ”bold and courageous” particularly on how she confronted corruption in the judiciary frontally.

”I am particularly impressed with the Mission Statement and Commitment Statement” she introduced which he noted gave a new direction to services of the judiciary in the state.

Justice Oke, in her response, thanked the judges, magistrates and staff of the judiciary for their love and support for all the reforms initiated and making her tenure a success.

Gov Sanwoolu Swears in New Acting Chief Judge.

Lagos State Governor Mr.Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said that the Executive will work with the State judiciary and the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to prison congestion, saying that the issue has become be a major challenge to the State's justice system.

Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this on Thursday after swearing in the new acting Chief Judge of Lagos State,Honourable Justice Kazeem Alogba.

According to the Governor,"the current situation where over 70 percent of inmates in our prisons constitute awaiting trials is not acceptable as it is not a reflection of an efficient justice delivery system. We will also not hesitate to do whatever is required to sustain the ongoing reform in the judicial sector so the desired result of ensuring that the wheel of justice rolls as fast as it could, will be achieved."

The Governor further stated that his administration will embark on the review of the State's judiciary,noting that the three arms of government must form a synergy for the development of the State. He also promised to continue with judicial reforms in the State.

‘‘We are all partners in progress. We must continue to work together to deliver the good for the teeming Lagos populace. This is what governance is all about.'' Sanwo-Olu said.

While congratulating the new acting Chief Judge, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in his capacity to continue on the path of progress that has been created in the State judiciary since the beginning of the fourth republic.

''I have absolute confidence in your ability and capacity to sustain and improve on the enviable reputation which the Lagos State Judiciary has built for itself over the years,particularly since 1999 under the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.During the tenure of that administration, a solid foundation was laid through the introduction and implementation of critical reforms and initiatives that are aimed at building a judicial system that is efficient, reliable and courageous to uphold the fundamental principles and ideals of equity, fairness, natural justice and the rule of law.''

In his vote of assurance,Justice Alogba, who thanked the Governor for the honour, promised to exercise the powers of his office conscientiously for the good of the common man and the furtherance of the administration of justice in Lagos State.

The new Acting Chief Judge suggested that traffic and environmental offenders should henceforth serve their sentences at the point where the offenses are committed. He said no one likes to wear a toga of an ex-convict so community service or some other forms of punishment should be handed to offenders at the point of contravention.

Justice Alogba also promised speedy and effective dispensation of justice, zero tolerance for corruption and corrupt tendencies, rigorous, adequate and continuous training of judicial staff as well as improvement on the use of ICT for the delivery of justice.

“We will pursue the use of information communication technology and dwell on staff welfare. We pledge our support for the new administration.’’ Alogba said.

Appointment of Honourable Justice Kazeem O. Alogba as the acting Chief Judge of Lagos State..

Honourable Justice Kazeem O. Alogba has been appointed as the acting Chief Judge of Lagos State

In accordance with Section 271 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended), His Excellency Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu,Governor of Lagos State has appointed Honourable Justice Kazeem O. Alogba as the 17th Chief Judge of Lagos State with effect from Tuesday 11th June 2019, in acting capacity, pending the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and subsequent confirmation of the State House of Assembly.

The appointment of the new Acting Chief Judge is consequent upon the need to prevent a vacuum in the State Judiciary, given the imminent retirement of the present Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke, who is set to disengage statutorily from the State Judiciary from today Monday 10 June 2019. Accordingly, the newly appointed Acting Chief Judge will be sworn-in on Thursday 13th June 2019 in the Governor’s Office, Lagos House, Alausa Ikeja at 10.00 a.m.

Prior to his appointment Justice Kazeem Alogba was the most senior of the 58 Honourable Justices in the State Judiciary next to the out-going Chief Judge, and had chaired the Committee on the review of the High Court Civil Procedure Rules, which culminated in the new High Court of Lagos(Civil Procedure) Rules of 2019 that came into force on 31 January 2019.

The new Acting Chief Judge is hereby wished a most impactful tenure of Office.

Launchimg of Handbook for Court Registrar.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke, on Thursday, launched a handbook for the court registrars to ensure an effective service in the state.

The CJ, who launched the handbook at a pull-out ceremony,noted that the handbook would guide the court registrars appointed from amongst legal practitioners in their daily duties and ensure that they render effective service.

According to Justice Oke, the appointment of legal practitioners as registrars was to improve service in the judiciary system.

She said, “The handbook developed by Justice Josephine Oyefeso led committee is to guide the court registrars appointed from amongst legal practitioners in their daily duties and ensure that they give effective service to litigants and the people of Lagos State. The appointment of legal practitioners was a novel in the nation’s judiciary and that it was done to improve service in the judiciary.

“The court registrars would work as head of the judges’ chamber and function effectively to improve operations of the court and plans are on hand to also appoint more legal practitioners as court registrars in the magistrate courts.”

The pull-out ceremony which was held for the CJ as part of the activities to mark her retirement on June 10, 2019, had the high court judges, magistrates and other stakeholders in attendance.

Lagos State Chief Judge Pays Valedictory Visit to Gov. Sanwo-Olu.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed the readiness of his administration to partner the State Judiciary for the delivery of qualitative governance to the people of the State.

Sanwo-Olu made this known on Monday when the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke paid a valedictory visit to his office in preparation of the latter’s retirement from the State Judiciary.

The Governor also promised to partner with the Judiciary being the 3rd arm of government in order to enshrine the culture of good governance and quick dispensation of justice to every resident of the State.

While responding to some earlier requests made by the outgoing Chief Judge of the State, Sanwo-Olu promised to give due consideration to the needs of the judiciary so that the other arms of the government can function effectively.

Earlier, Justice Oke who is the16th Honourable Chief Judge of Lagos State thanked the State Government, the Executive and Legislative arms for their support to serve as the 6th female Chief Judge, and Chairman of the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission.

She attributed the feats recorded during her tenure and the many novel accomplishments which were first of many kinds in the history of the State’s Judiciary and the country at large to the collaborative efforts with both arms of government, saying that the collaborative efforts have continued to yield positive and enviable results.

Justice Oke rolled out the achievements of the state Judiciary under her tenure to include the creation of two new divisions of the high court, renovation of courts and prison decongestion among others.

She also added that her tenure ensured the installation of solar panels at Yaba and Ebutte-Metta magistrate court, renovated of courts,launched the new high court of Lagos State (civil procedure) Rules 2019 among several laudable achievements.

While congratulating Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the new Governor of the commercial nerve center of West Africa, Justice Oke prayed that the State will soar high to greater heights in every ramification during his tenure in office.

The Chief Judge appealed to the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu to speed up the completion of the Badore court house Ajah, the building of commercial court in Tapa Lagos Island, the building of more courthouses.

The Chief Judge said that as the curtains draw on her tenure as the State Chief Judge to pave way for another successor, “I am hopeful that greater feats shall be recorded on the account of the Judiciary to the admiration of other Judiciaries in the country and even on the international platform.”

Lagos CJ Pledges State Judiciary’s Support for the Blinds, Orphans.

Lagos State Chief Judge,Honorable Justice Opeyemi Oke has pledged the continued support of the State Judiciary to the inmates of the Bethesda Home for the Blind (BHB), Idi-Oro, Mushin and orphans and abandoned children at Optimal Children Home(Orphanages), Isheri, Magodo, Lagos.

Justice Oke made the promise when she visited the two homes yesterday to lend the support of the Lagos State Judiciary and made donations to them along with Judges and Heads of Department of the judiciary.

The Chief Judge told the blind and management of Bethesda Home that the state judiciary would continue to support them in all their activities.

“Lagos State Judiciary will never forget you. Anywhere I go after my tenure, I will continue to remind my successors on the need to continue to assist you because I want you to be happy every time” she assured.

She assured them of more visit to the home by the in-coming Chief Judges of the state.

Justice Oke who expressed happiness about the academic excellence of the blind students and their determination to succeed in life, also assured those who are yet to pay their admission fees into different universities of the support of the judiciary for payment of such fees.

While commending them for not allowing their challenges to draw them, he admonished them to be dedicated to their studies.

“As long as you are dedicated to your studies, help will always come your way”, she said.

The Chief Judge also commended one of the inmates, Mustapha Yusuf, a final year student of Philosophy at theUniversity of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, for his talent in Gospel Music and composing different tracks to soothe every challenge and positive situation confronting them.

Responding to questions from journalists, Justice Oke remarked that her visits to the two homes were significant as it was part of her programmes towards her bowing out of office.

“We need to sow seeds into many lives, particularly the less privileged. We shouldn’t leave everything to the government. I am fulfilled that despite their challenges, they still have the heart to thank God for His mercies.

Earlier in a welcome address,Miss Philomena Cyprian, a 300-level student of Guidance and Counseling at the University of Ibadan, disclosed 86 inmates of the Bethesda Home are in various universities across the country studying different courses.

She said 21 of the students will be graduating this year from the universities with degrees while 25 others wrote this year’s Joint Admission and Matriculation Examination (JAMB).

“Your attitude to the less privileged is not something we can sweep aside. Your life is worthy of emulation and has removed all the disorders in our hearts. Our joy is beyond measure”, Philomena remarked in appreciation of all the support promised them by Justice Oke.

At Optimal Children Home, Isheri, Magodo, the founder, Mrs Lola Ayo-Adedeji, disclosed that the centre has 26children in its care, out of which 22 are presently in schools.

She said two orphans of the home,presently reside abroad.

She said the children were abandoned by their parents and picked from refuse dump, on the streets adding that the visit by the Chief Judge and donation of different electrical appliances has encouraged her to want to do more.

Lagos State Chief Judge Pays Farewell Visit to Oba Akiolu.

The Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke has commended the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu for his tremendous support since she assumed the mantle of leadership of the State Judiciary in particular and to the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in general.

Justice Oke who made this known on Tuesday during a farewell visit to the palace of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu stated that the feats recorded under the present administration in the State could not have materialised without the collaborative efforts of the Oba and the very firm support members of the Judiciary have enjoyed from him.

She added; "Very guardedly we have been running with our vision. By the grace of God, your concerted effort towards a stronger and greater Judiciary and our steadfastness, laudable achievements have been recorded to the advancement of the Lagos State Judiciary".

Justice Oke rolled out the achievements of the state Judiciary under the administration of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode to include Renovation of courts, prison decongestion, digitalization of the probate registries amongst others.

She also added that her tenure ensured the installation and Commissioning of the vision, mission and commitment signposts of the Lagos State Judiciary across all the Court premises in Lagos State, Creation of two new divisions of the High Court on as well as the Creation of Small Claims Courts in the Magistracy among several other laudable interventions.

The Chief Judge said that as the curtains draw on her tenure as the State Chief Judge to pave way for another successor, “I am hopeful that greater feats shall be recorded on the account of the Judiciary to the admiration of other Judiciaries in the country and even on the international platform.”

Lagos CJ Launches Practice Direction Handbook in Five Indigenous Languages .

The Lagos State Judiciary has launched the Small Claims Court practice direction and handbook translations in five local languages, which were Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Egun and Pidgin English.

The Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke described the development as the first in the country and a great feat to have an enabling law translated into different indigenous languages. 

Honourable Justice Oke emphasized that the effort would further improve the performance recorded so far in terms of number of cases filed, duration between filing and delivery of judgment since litigants would more likely understand the process and become more confident to represent themselves.

She remarked that the court has fulfilled its objective of providing easy access to an informal, inexpensive and speedy resolution of simple debt recovery disputes in the magistrates’ courts of claims not exceeding five million naira as provided for under Article 1 of the Practice Direction. 

On her part, the Chairman of the Committee on Small Claims Court, Honourable Justice Yetunde Adesanya said with the new development, more litigants are expected to bring their commercial cases to the court.

She also expressed confidence that with more litigants bringing their commercial cases to Small Claims Court, it would assist to decongest the dockets of High Court Judges. 

The Small Claims Court which was established on April Last year has delivered 530 judgments out of 850 cases filed by litigants in seven magisterial districts of the state and had received Presidential and World Bank awards on the Practice of the Ease of Doing Business owing to the success of the court.

Lagos Chief Judge Commissions Training Institute for Judiciary Workers .

A training arm of the Lagos State Judiciary that will beresponsible for the promotion of innovation and effectiveness in servicesrendered to Lagosians has been commissioned by the Lagos State Chief Judge,Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke.

The Institute, Lagos State Judicial Establishment Institutewas established pursuant to the Lagos State Judicial Institute Law 2007 toserve as the principal focal point of judicial activities relating to thepromotion of efficiency, uniformity, and improvement in the quality of judicialservices in the superior and inferior courts in Lagos State.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Institute on Tuesday atIkeja, the Chief Judge said that the Institute, among other functions, isexpected to provide continuing education for all categories of JudicialOfficers by organizing, workshops and other programmes related to judicialeducation.

She said; “the mission of this Institute is to promoteexcellence through training, competency, and professionalism in the Lagos StateJudiciary. It is expected that the Institute will have a far-reaching impact onthe quality of our human capital and productivity quotient.”

Honourable Justice Oke also added that the Lagos StateJudicial Establishment Institute will in addition to the above functions, serveas a platform for updating judiciary staff on recent developments in law,contemporary issues around legal procedure and practice, administration andJudicial Ethics.

While saying that since the beginning of her tenure as theState’s Chief Judge, staff of the Judiciary had benefited from both local andinternational training, Justice Oke explained that the rationale behind thevarious training programmes were borne out of the conviction that training wasthe only way that judicial competency, standards, and professionalism can beachieved, maintained and sustained.

“Training is the only way that we can maintain and sustainour position as the foremost Judiciary in Africa.  It is one of the foremost ways to buildpublic trust and confidence in the Lagos State Judiciary. We are the firstJudiciary in the nation to formalize and set up its training arm,” the ChiefJudge reiterated.

Justice Oke expressed the hope that with the establishmentof the Institute, judicial officers are now expected to sharpen their skills,increase efficiency, innovation, and effectiveness for the benefit of, andservice to the good people of Lagos State

She, however, charged members of the Board of Governors thatwould be in charge of the management of the Institute to design programmes andtraining for various categories of staff to address and improve the capacityand overall effectiveness of the Lagos State Judiciary.

Lagos Launch Practice Directions for Administration of Criminal Justice & Restorative Justice .

Lagos State Judiciary has again recorded another first withthe launch of Practice Directions for Administration of Criminal Justice Law,ACJL and the Restorative Justice that will usher in a new era in the CriminalJustice administration in the State

The Chief Judge of the State, Honorable Justice Opeyemi Okewho launched these Practice Directions on Monday at the High Court of LagosState, Ikeja, said that the Practice Directions is expected to address themyriad of challenges ranging from ineffective or incomplete investigations,delays in criminal trials among others confronting criminal justiceadministration in the country.

She added that apart from addressing incompleteinvestigations, the newly launched Practice Directions would also realize thegoal of expedited trials, improvement in the case disposal rates and alsoculminate in the decongestion of prisons.

In her words, “these Practice Directions are being launchedtoday in keeping with my vision to ensure speedy resolution of our criminalcases and the entrenchment of restorative justice in the administration ofjustice in Lagos State to create more avenues for access to justice and a holisticapproach to criminal justice administration.”

Justice Oke recalled that Lagos State has been at thevanguard of Criminal Justice Reform when it passed the ACJL in 2007, amended itin 2011 before other States followed suit, adopted and improved upon it.

She listed some of the highlights of the ACJL PracticeDirection to include; Introductions of the Plea Bargain and Case ManagementProtocol to ensure that the Prosecution and Defense are properly preparedbefore trial opens, such that when trial opens, hearing would be concludedwithin 365 days.

The Chief Judge stated that once the Practice Directioncomes into operation on 3rd June 2019, minor offences will be diverted torelevant centres and Restorative Justice outcomes applied to ensure thatpersons who commit minor offences will no longer end up in jail but wouldinstead face non-custodial sentences including fines, restitution orders,community service orders and so on.

Valedictory Session: Bench, Bar Eulogises Late Chief Judge, Justice Christopher Segun.

A torrent of tributes poured on the late former Chief Judgeof Lagos State, Justice Christopher Segun just as the present Chief Judge,Justice Opeyemi Oke described the deceased as a priceless jurist who broughtradical change to the state Judiciary.

Justice Oke said the late Chief Judge had a reputation forhard work and discipline.

According to the Chief Judge, the deceased in the course ofhis judicial career delivered several landmark judgements and decision ondifferent areas of law.

Contributing, Lagos state Attorney General and Commissionerfor Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, said the deceased was a man of inestimablevalue who will be missed by Nigerians for his contribution to the advancementof administration of justice in the state.

The Attorney General who pointed out that the deceaseddevoted his life to justice and equity urged the children to tow the path oftheir father.

Among those who eulogized him at the valedictory sessionheld in his honour at the Lagos High Court, Igbosere were Judges andMagistrates of the State, Body of Benchers, Body of Senior Advocates ofNigeria, and Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.

Lagos Chief Judge Inaugurates New Executive of Magistrates Association.

Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke on Thursdayinaugurated new executive committee of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria,Lagos State Chapter with a call on the executives to take the Lagos EstateJudiciary to the heights it desires.

The Chief Judge who is the patron of the national body ofthe association remarked that the magisterial bench has over the yearswitnessed an exodus of great men and women whom passed through the magisterialbench and rose to the pick of the legal profession.

She said that the role of magistrates in the delivery ofjustice which made them to be referred to as the hope of the common man mustnot be compromised, urging the executives of the association to live aboveboard as the third organ of government and as administrators of justice.

Justice Oke advised the new executives to continue todisplay the hallmarks of professionalism, effectiveness and efficiency in linewith the Vision, Mission and Commitment Statement of the Lagos State Judiciary.

Exhibiting these hallmarks, according to the Chief Judgewill show the Lagos State Judiciary as one that epitomizes in every sense ofthe word discipline, dignity, honour, zeal for results and excellence.

She expressed confidence in the new exco led by itsChairman, Chief Magistrate Adejumoke B. Olagbegi-Adelabu, whom she described asone of the most hard-working Magistrates in the Lagos State Judiciary and one whoseintegrity is not in doubt.

"During last year, Her Honour Chief MagistrateOlagbegi-Adelabu was part of the team of Magistrates that contributed in nosmall way to the overall success of the Lagos State Judiciary, by effectivelyand efficiently performing their duties.

"The crop of Magistrates who are taking the oath ofoffice today as Chairman and members of the executive committee of theMagistrates Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Branch, are indeed worthy to beemulated," the Chief Judge affirmed.

Lagos State Judiciary Rebrand Probate Registry..

As part of efforts to rebrand the judiciary in Lagos Stateto be of international standard, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice OpeyemiOke has upgraded the probate registry to automated electronic structure.

Speaking at the launch in High Court, Igbosere,  Lagos Island, Justice Oke said with the useof modern technology at the probate registry, all forms of human error andcorruption which department was becoming known for would be reduced to thebarest while service delivery would be more effective.

She explained that previous administration had attempted toreposition the registry with minimal success, but this development would makesubmission of probate application easy since it would be done online with electronicpayment.

The Chief Judge emphasised that electronic probate systemwould get rid of bureaucratic challenges that would lead to a drastic reductionin the problem of revenue leakage.

In a remark, the Chief Registrar, Mrs Taiwo Olatokun saidthe innovation would be of great help to customers of the registry in gettingrequired services at a short time.

Mrs Taiwo Olatokun pointed out that her members of staff hadbeen trained to give a warm and friendly support to customers as may berequired from time to time.

Lagos Judiciary Trains Magistrates on Application of Restorative Justice.

The Lagos State Judiciary on Wednesday 27th of March 2019,began a two day training for magistrates on the application of the system. Thistook place at the Multidoor Court House Igbosere High Court Lagos.

Declaring the training open, Chief Judge of Lagos State,Justice Opeyemi Oke said the training was necessary to equip magistrates withnecessary knowledge and skills  on how toapply the system in their various courts.

Justice Oke stated that the decision to adopt restorativejustice approach into the state judiciary was based on the need to ensure thatoffenders are not just punished but also reintegrated and restored back intosociety. “We are changing the narrative in Lagos State by the introduction ofRestorative Justice at the Magistrates Courts level. This will ensure thatrestorative justice outcomes are applied to many minor offences.

"Today in Nigeria, we have seen countless cases where defendants are arrested for minoroffences – burglary, wandering, two fighting and so on. They are locked up inour prisons for the flimsiest reasons and join the teeming population awaitingtrial.

" In fact the Awaiting trial inmates account for morethan 75% of the inmates in our prisons today. They are in our prisons withhardened criminals and by the time they come out they have been initiated intoa life of crime and are ready to spread terror, death and destruction in theirpost-prison escapades.

"This training is being held in keeping with my visionto ensure the entrenchment of restorative justice in the administration ofjustice in Lagos State to create more avenues for access to justice and aholistic approach to criminal justice administration.

She urged the magistrates to ensure that they used thetraining to equip themselves with requisite knowledge and skills needed to ensure efficient and effectiveapplication of the new system

"You, your Honours, will be the mediators, which is thereason for putting together this training to enable you understand the basicprinciples of restorative justice,  itsworkings, what we hope to achieve and how it can help to decongest our prisons.

" The skills you will learn at this Training will be afoundation to your effective mediation in our Restorative Justice Centres. So Ienjoin you all to pay rapt attention and take all you can from this training.You are at the vanguard of this revolution in the Criminal Justice space ofLagos State. We must make it work and set an example for the whole country tofollow,” she said.

Justice Oke noted that the system would soon be officiallylaunched along with the establishment of restorative justice centres in theseven magisterial districts in the state. She said: “Lagos State Judiciary,under this administration, has decided to take the bull by the horn and startthis project and is set to roll out restorative justice centres in the seven(7) Magisterial districts of Lagos State. The Practice Direction on RestorativeJustice will also be launched after this training.”

Lagos CJ Makes Case for Plea Bargaining.

Lagos State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice OpeyemiOke has said that there is a need for Nigeria to join developed countries thathave embraced the culture of plea bargaining in their judicial system.

The Chief Judge who spoke on Monday at openingceremony of Plea Bargaining training programme for Magistrates of the LagosState Judiciary organised by the Rule of Law & Anti-Corruption in Nigeria(ROLAC), said that in the United States where it is deeply entrenched, theculture has greatly advanced the judicial sector of the country. 

"In the United States where plea bargaining isdeeply entrenched, the Columbia Law Review reports that about ninety percent ofthe criminal defendants convicted in State and Federal Courts plead guiltyrather than exercise their right to stand trial before a Court or Jury,"Justice Oke stated.

She said that though plea bargain system isgradually gaining ground in Nigeria, the system, since its inception has provento be a useful tool in aiding criminal justice administration and has alsocurtailed undue delays in the dispensation of criminal justice. 

According to her, a considerable number of highprofile cases prosecuted by anti-graft agencies have been concluded using the pleabargaining tool which she said is a form of criminal justice package on itsown.

The Honorable Chief Judge added that in LagosState, the Administration of Criminal Justice Law has lent its hands in a pushtowards the adoption of the concept of plea bargaining as an accepted procedurein criminal proceedings. 

In her words,"sections 76 and 77 of theAdministration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State has firmly entrenchedPlea Bargaining into our Criminal Justice system. Plea Bargain saves precious judicialtime and resources, reduces the trauma to the victim, helps with prisondecongestion, case management for the courts and reduces the awaiting trialinmates in our prisons."

While thanking the ROLAC, for partnering with theLagos State Judiciary to train the state magistrates and for the efforts of theorganisation towards improving the administration of justice in Lagos State,the Chief Judge expressed the belief that the Magistrates will benefitimmensely from the training considering the caliber of resource persons thatwould facilitate different sessions of the training.

Lagos CJ Hinges National Development on Investment in Younger Ones.

If Nigeria truly desires abrighter and better future, it is imperative that cursory attention is paid tobuilding a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and playa productive role in the society, the Lagos State Chief Judge has said.

Speaking on Thursday 28th ofFebruary at the Annual General Meeting and the introduction of new State ScoutCommissioner for Lagos State Scout Council, the Chief Judge of Lagos State,Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke stated that before any tangible development cansuffice; deliberate attention must be given to the development of thepotentials in youth.

According to the Chief Judge,showing concern in the activities of men and women who have volunteeredthemselves as members of scout and other non-profit making organisations thatare beneficial to the society is one of the numerous ways of contributing tonational development.

She said, “For me, an importantmetric for measuring achievements for the wise is to be a key player in a placeof service as the Scout Council, to my mind, this is more honourable’, JusticeOke added.

She congratulated those who havechosen to be part of the scout movement and encouraged them to continually haveunity of purpose, as such is needed to truly make the impact that everyonedesire to see.

While saying that the Lagos StateScout Council is more than a mere assembly of men, Justice Oke asserted thatthe scout council remains a movement that is committed to making significantcontributions to the development of young people for the purpose of achievingtheir full physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual potentialsas individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, nationaland international communities.

She explained that the AnnualGeneral Meeting affords members of the scout council the platform to have apresentation and review of their scouting activities in the past year whilstalso identifying areas that require enhancements.

She commended the last year’sCouncil’s election that brought about the emergence of Alhaji OlohuntoyinOyeyemi Adebesin as the new State Scout Commissioner, stressing that it ishighly remarkable that the entire exercise was peaceful and laudable.

“Let me at this juncture salutethe immediate State Scout Commissioner, Chief Jonathan Oladapo Tawose, whom Iam reliably informed had been elevated to an enviable position of an AssistantChief Commissioner for South West comprising Ekiti, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ogun andOndo States Scout Councils of the Scout Association of Nigeria,” Justice Okeinformed.

The new State Commissioner forthe Council, Alhaji Olohuntoyin Oyeyemi Adebesin pleaded with the Chief Judgenot to renege in her efforts to continually support the activities of theCouncil.

“Your Lordship, let me use this mediumto appeal to you specially that you should equally stretch your hands to me asyou have done to my predecessor, a move which made him succeed in office duringhis tenure,” the Commissioner entreated the Chief Judge.

Lagos CJ Urges Individuals, Corporate Bodies to Partner with Judiciary on Bondsmen Scheme.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Okeyesterday asked individuals and corporate bodies to partner with the LagosState Judiciary on actualizing the bondsman scheme in order to make bail moreaccessible to defendants standing trial in courts.

She urged them to make necessary applications to join the schemeemphasizing that it has been proven in other jurisdictions that theprofessional bail bondsman brings important benefits to the society in which heworks. 

Honourable Justice Oke stated this in an address delivered at a“Stakeholders’ Summit on Actualizing the Law on the Bondsmen and Recovery ofRecognizance in Lagos State”. The event also marked the inauguration ofPractice Direction for the scheme.

She lamented that no individual or corporate body has applied to belicensed bondsman and Bonds Company more than eight years after the BondsmenRegulation of 2011 came into force in line with Section 138 of theAdministration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).

She said the introduction of the bondmen into the criminal justiceadministration of the state was to make bail more accessible to anyone chargedwith a criminal offence and prevent touting by unlicensed persons anddefendants from absconding from trials.

Justice Oke described the bondsmen scheme as very laudable pointing outthat it would assist defendants to obtain bail and ensure such persons can beproduced seamlessly when needed in court.

She expressed confidence that the bondsperson scheme will significantlyreduce prison congestion and other problems associated with same, while alsoensuring that recognizance can be recovered in full where persons on bailabsconds. She explained that Section 138 (8) of the ACJL confers on thebondsperson the power of arrest should a defendant attempt to abscond.

She said: “Every Bondsperson shall have the powers to arrest anydefendant or suspect who is absconding or who he believes is trying to evade oravoid appearances in Court: if he cannot bring the person arrested within 12hours of the arrest before a Court, he shall hand the person arrested over tothe Police who shall produce such person before the appropriate Court.

“In the United States, bail bondsmen play an important role inmaintaining social control over bailed defendants. The bondsman and thedefendant form a contract in which the bail bondsman agrees, for a fee, to actas the defendant’s surety. In addition to paying the fee, the defendant agreesto appear in court for all scheduled appearances”.

She said that a ten-man committee headed by Honourable Justice GraceOnyeabo was set up February, 27 last year with a mandate to find ways toactualise the recommendations of the Committee on Creation of Bondsmen andRecovery of Recognizance set up November 30, 2012.

In his lecture titled, “A Practical Approach to the Bondmen Procedurein the Justice System in Lagos State”, a bail bond expert, Dr. Seyi Adetayoremarked that bondsmen practice has not only helped defendants to access bailbut also assisted low income group of the society to access justice.

Adetayo said the introduction of the bondsmen would eliminate theactivities of fake and touts masquerading as professional bondsmen and othermalpractices and generate employment to the people.

Earlier, Justice Onyeabo in a welcome remark described the bondsmenscheme as an innovation of Lagos State. She said the system would assist policeto arrest defendants that have absconded and ensure effective criminal justiceadministration system in the state.

Justice Oke Warns Magistrates against External Interferences .

Lagos State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke hasadmonished the newly appointed Magistrates in the State Judiciary to disregardall forms of interferences in the discharge of their duties, warning that suchintrusions could jeopardize true judicial processes.

The Chief Judge gave the charge today at the openingceremony of the induction programme for the newly appointed magistrates atLagos State Judiciary Training School GRA, Ikeja Lagos.

The programme according to her will equip the participantswith relevant knowledge of being a precursor to the induction programme thatwill later be organised by the National Judicial Institute, Abuja for newlyappointed Judges of the lower bench across the country.

“The induction programme is in satisfaction of theobjectives and functions of the Institute as contained in the applicableprovisions of the Lagos State Judicial Institute Law,” she added.

Speaking on the expectations of the legal profession fromthe magistrates, Justice Oke said that the magistrates are expected to beimpartial arbiters in the temple of justice and should serve justice to allwithout fear, favour or being mindful of litigants’ social status or class.

In her words, “Judicial impartiality is a supreme judicialvirtue that goes contemporaneously with judicial independence and these aresome of the greatest attractions of the judiciary.”

She reminded the magistrates that the faithful performanceof their duties is the bedrock on which peace, freedom, and order in any givensociety thrive, saying that when the society’s confidence in the integrity ofthe judiciary is unshaken, then the rule of law blossoms.

Justice Oke used the occasion to advise the magistrates tobe up-to-date with the law and judicial decisions of superior courts at alltimes.

“Your life is now one of reading and writing and just a fewmoments to relax within the confines of judicial ethics. The importance ofjudicial competence cannot be overemphasized so you should have yourselvesproperly equipped for the job. Ensure you invest in good law books and acomprehensive compendium of cases, whether virtual or physical.

“Maintain a good rapport with your colleagues, respect forthe individual is very key not just in the legal profession but very much alsoon the bench. If there are grey areas, please be humble enough to askquestions” she stated.

Lagos CJ Launches New Court Rules 2019.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honorable Justice Opeyemi Oke today launched the new High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 which enforcement will commence January 31. The event was held at the Conference Room of the High Court of Lagos state, Ikeja and had all the Honorable Judges of the State in attendance.

According to Justice Oke: “The principal target of reform therefore is to facilitate total justice delivery by ensuring speedy dispensation of justice and the restoration of public confidence in our judicial system”. She regretted that for a very long time,  excessive delay has been an embarrassing feature of the administration of justice adding, “the inadequacies in our Civil Procedure Rules and abuse of its provisions were identified as a contributory factor to the delay. A number of the procedures in the old rules could not meet the demands of modern civil justice and fell starkly behind international best standards”.

She explained that it became necessary to review the 2012 version of the Civil Procedure Rules to meet the obvious reality that in terms of efficiency, accessibility and effectiveness, civil justice delivery remained deficient. “It therefore became expedient to address these problems by introducing reforms directed towards the achievement of a just, speedy and efficient administration of justice in line with the Commitment Statement of this administration. A review was also essential to further reinforce the independence of the judiciary and address the lacuna identified in the 2012 Rules, to deny them as a tool exploited to defeat the ends of justice”.

Honourable Justice Oke explained that one of the reasons why the administration of justice in Lagos State has been highly revered is because of its leadership in international best practices reform. “The New Rules 2019 is in line with international best practices comparable with any global jurisdiction. The Rules also contain new Pre-Action Protocols on various subject matters to explain the conduct and set out the steps required of parties prior to the commencement of proceedings to which the Rules apply”.

The Chief Judge remarked that the new global Lagos cannot continue to endure delay and congestion in its Courts whether traceable to the Bar or the Bench adding, “justice delayed is quite simply an injustice and amounts to a denial of the right to fair hearing and casts the administration of justice in our jurisdiction in bad light both nationally and globally”.

She remarked that with the new court rules, local investors and Foreign Direct Investors (FDI) would be more attracted to a global Lagos which has an efficient and effectual rule of law-driven business environment. “The value and overriding objectives of the 2019 Rules are for a legal system that will strive to deploy scarce judicial resources wisely, run efficiently and effectually for the benefit of all people and not at the whims and caprices of any individual or any particular group of stakeholders”.

She said it was in this light and pursuant to the cumulative powers conferred on her by the provisions of Section 247 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 89 (1) of the High Court Law of Lagos State, Cap H3, Laws of Lagos State to review Rules of Court, that the review of the 2012 Rules was kick-started last year and a 15-man Rules Review Committee was set up under the leadership of Honourable Justice Kazeem  Alogba.

To ensure an all-inclusive rules, Justice Oke said the committee notified and received contributions from all stakeholders including all the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) branches in the State, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) for their input and that of stakeholders for their contributions and suggestions to be forwarded to the Rules Committee.

Oke chided groups which she said “have been less constructive and more off hand, founding reservations on the self-serving grounds that the efficiencies of new Rules which allow limited public resources to be employed in the overall public interest will be unfriendly and “run out of business” practitioners who are unwilling to make a good faith effort to adapt. She described such fears as “flimsy and appear to be self-serving and retrogressive in nature.”

She said: “The courts are created to serve the public and not incompetent or inefficient legal practitioners. Legal practitioners’ practice to serve the public and the system of justice and this is a professional and ethical responsibility.

“It is remarkable and intolerable that any legal practitioner should oppose efficiency and effectiveness in civil justice delivery in a perverted self-interest.

“The new rules are intended for the greater good of and the efficient and speedy dispensation of the greater number of cases and not to discriminately satisfy a few or any particular group of stakeholders”, she stressed.

Chairman of the review committee, Honourable Justice Alogba in a remark commended members of the committee for their meaningful contributions during the period the assignment lasted. He also thanked the Chief Judge for her support for the committee and for not leaving the job to them alone.

Bakare Adekunbi Mrs
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
21/01/2019

LET THE FEAR OF GOD BE YOUR WATCHWORD IN THE DISPENSATION OF DUTY - LAGOS CHIEF JUDGE .

Lagos State Chief Judge, Honorable Justice Opeyemi Oke today 21st of January 2019, admonished newly Sworn-in President and Members of the Customary Court to let the fear and dread of God be in their hearts as they do justice on the people.

The four Presidents of the Customary Courts include Mr. Ojora-Adejiyan Adeyinka, Mrs. Ogunsanwo Adeola, Mr. Sodimu Idowu, and Mrs. Keshinro Aramide while the two members are Mrs. Olaoye Oredola and Mr. Shonowo Ayoola. Honorable Justice Oke reminded them to uphold the rule of law and enshrine justice in their court according to the native law and custom of the people.

"As Customary Court judges and members, you must act with a high level of decorum and within the dictates of your conscience. The fundamental rights, freedoms and principles underpinning our Constitutional Democracy must guide you”, she advised.

She reiterated the need for them to conduct themselves in a manner that is seen to be above board.
She said any standard that is less than that which is prescribed and other infringement shall attract the sanction of the Judicial Service Commission.

The Chief Judge enjoined them to give no room for corrupt practices as the Commission has zero tolerance for same and will be swift to appropriately discipline any officer found culpable after thorough inquiries.

"Let it resound in your hearts at all times that as Customary Court Judges and Members, you are to maintain a high standard of judicial conduct. In addition to good morals, judicial etiquettes and high ideals of conduct, it is equally important that your knowledge of the native law and custom of the people must be exceptional.

"It is now abundantly clear that a judge who is not fully aware of the law can ruin lives by interpreting the law wrongly and thereafter giving the wrong judgment. It was in the light of this that the Commission conducted a thorough screening from which you emerged as the best candidates based on your track record, integrity, ability and qualifications, and were therefore appointed without any unwarranted interference, whether externally or otherwise", she said.

The Chief Judge said the jurisdiction of the Customary Court has been expanded, likewise their volume of cases increased significantly. She urged them to enhance their knowledge of the rudiments of case management to attract more patronage by members of the public who principally use the Court as a dispute resolution forum. She added, “the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission and I have the burning desire for the Customary Court of Lagos State to achieve distinction and we urge you to buy into this and assiduously work towards it".


The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Judiciary Commission, Mrs. Olubukola Salami, in a welcome address, expressed confidence that the inauguration of the new Presidents and Members would enhance justice delivery at the customary court level and ensure speedy disposition of cases. Mrs. Salami also admonished them to maintain high standard of professionalism, competence and integrity in dispensation of justice. She said this has become necessary as their conduct and carriage would come under public scrutiny.

Ololade Ige Mrs.
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Office
21/01/2019

Lagos Judiciary Gets New 35 Magistrates.

Lagos Judiciary Sheriffs Trained on New Civil Procedure Rules.

Lagos Judiciary Sheriffs Trained on New Civil Procedure Rules .

The Lagos State Judiciary has organized four-day training for Sheriffs of the High Court to acquaint them with new civil procedure rules in the legal profession. The training programme which started on Monday at the Training School in Ikeja will end on Thursday 17th January 2019.

The representative of the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke who declared the training opened explained that the training will also equip the participants with skills on how to implement certain aspects of the new civil procedure rules. She said that the training was in accordance with modern court practices and was meant to expand the knowledge base of Sheriffs.

Justice Oke who was represented by the Admin Judge of Ikeja, Honorable Justice Doris Okuwobi noted that the training was necessary as the state Judiciary has concluded plans to introduce automation in the service of court processes. 'l will make no pretense that the workforce of the Sheriff Section of the High Court must update their skills. There is the urgent need for reforms in the court system and in accordance with modern court practices. The basis of reforms is to help in the delivery of justice in line with principles of a fair hearing and easy access to justice," the Chief Judge added.

The Chief Judge who maintained that the participants at the training have been on the job for many years stated that there is the need to retrain the officials for better performance. The attitude to the workshop according to her should be approached from a growth mindset perspective, stressing that the training presents prime opportunity to expand the knowledge base of all staff.

Justice Oke used the occasion of the training to dispel purported reports of corrupt practices among members of staff, assuring members of the public that the Judiciary will not hesitate to deal decisively with any of its officials caught engaging in any form of corrupt practices.

Bakare Adekunbi Mrs
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
16/01/2019

Lagos CJ, Reels Out Achievements, Admonishes Judiciary Staff to Look Ahead with High Expectations.

As the year 2018 is going to a glorious end, theLagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke has admonished members ofstaff of the Lagos State Judiciary to look ahead with higher expectations and astronger resolves to do more in the New Year, as she reeled out heradministration’s achievement for 2018.

Justice Oke gave this admonition during the StateJudiciary Christmas Carol Service held last Friday at the premises of the StateHigh Court in Ikeja. While reviewing the year 2018, the Chief Judge reeled outthe achievements of her administration in the last one year, stating that 2018kicked off on a note of high expectations and that those expectations, whichwere chiefly embedded in her Vision and Mission Statements.

“Very guardedly, we have been running with ourvision and our steadfastness has birthed laudable achievements to the glory ofGod and the advancement of the Lagos State Judiciary. Reeling out theachievements of her administration, Justice Oke mentioned the installation andcommissioning of the Vision, Mission and Commitment sign posts of the LagosState Judiciary across all the Court premises in the state.

Known for her zero-tolerance for corruption, theChief Judge also talked about her fight against corruption in Lagos StateJudiciary, adding that disciplinary actions were taken against erring staff ofthe Sheriff Department, Probate Registry, Cash Office and Administrative staff.

According to her, part of the achievements includesetting up of Hospitality Unit to cater to all members of staff and the duty ofthe unit include supply of monthly provisions for members of staff. Justice Okenoted that creation of two new divisions of the High Court, Economic/FinancialCrime Division and Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Division is a majorachievement to move the judiciary forward.

"To ensure that our prison is adequatelydecongested, we embarked on series of prison visits at the various prisons inLagos state. "The digitalization of the private Registries in the state ofLagos Judiciary as well as facilitation of the amendment of the High Court andthis has increased the number of judges for Lagos State to 120.

“Appointment of Supervisory Judges for theMagistrates for efficiency and better performance, in line with the CommitmentStatement of this administration.

“The Small Claims Court Practice Direction is beingtranslated into different local languages namely: Pidgin English, Yoruba, Egun,Hausa and Ibo. Honourable Judges are currently working on this.

“Three weeks intensive training for newly employedSheriffs with passing out ceremony which took place on the 10th day ofDecember, 2018”, she stated.

Justice Oke specially thanked the Lagos StateGovernor, Akinwunmi Ambode, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner forJustice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, as well as Judiciary staff for their firm supportin achieving the fetes.

“Indeed, all of these could not have materializedwithout your collaborative efforts and the very firm support we have enjoyedfrom our external partners. Kindly accept my heartfelt appreciation for yourconstant support and prayers.

“I will also like to express my profound gratitudeto our indefatigable Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, for hisunwavering backing. He is very passionate about the smooth operation of theJudiciary and does not take any issue connected with or affecting the Judiciarywith levity. In fact, he regards the Judiciary as a core pride of hisadministration. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to my dear brother, theHon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem. He hasalso been very helpful in the achievement of our core projects and never complainseven when I tirelessly call on him for follow up.

“As the year comes to a glorious end, I enjoin youall to look ahead with even higher expectations and a stronger resolve to domore in the New Year. Verily I say to you that everything we conceive, we willachieve if we faint not. Remember, we are ONE UNITED!” she stated.

LAGOS CJ INAUGURATES 47 NEW SHERIFFS TO QUICKEN TRIALS, JUSTICE..

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke, today, 10^th of December 2018, inaugurated 47 newly-recruited court sheriffs to quicken trials and justice delivery. Honourable Justice Oke charged them to shun corruption and be above board in the discharge of their duties.

The court sheriffs are responsible for serving court papers on litigants as well as enforcing the orders and judgments of the court. Honourable Justice Oke, at the induction, which held at the premises of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, noted that the sheriffs were critical to the smooth running and efficiency of the justice system.

According to her, the court could not assume jurisdiction without the proper service of the originating processes. She explained that the recruitment and training of the new court sheriffs were targeted at overhauling the old order characterized by "complaints of delays in service, failure to serve, falsification of affidavits of service, delays in reporting service, laziness, ineptitude, corruption, among other issues".
The Chief Judge said the recruitment was part of her administration's "wide range of far-reaching innovations" to address some of the lapses in the justice system.

"You are a new breed. You represent a new dispensation in the Sheriff Corps, and by the Grace of the Almighty God, you have come in at this time to breathe new life and, by God's grace, to change the old order. "You cannot afford to blend with the system. You are expected to stand out, you are expected to stand for what is right at all times. "Shun all forms of corruption and take your jobs seriously," the CJ told the new recruits.

She disclosed that a number of the old sheriffs had been dismissed for unethical conducts. At the ceremony, the 47 new sheriffs were presented with certificates, marking their completion of a three-week induction course, which they reportedly took at the Lagos State Judiciary Training School.
OLOLADE IGE
ASST. DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
08/12/2018

LAGOS CJ FREES 7 INMATES FROM IKOYI PRISON, PROMISES TO COMMENCE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE CENTRES JANUARY..

Seven inmates from the Ikoyi Prisons in Lagos today 7^th of December 2018, breathed the air of freedom when they were granted amnesty by the Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke. The Chief Judge said the gesture was aimed at decongesting the prisons and ensuring that deserving inmates breathed fresh air of freedom.

In exercise of her Prerogative of Mercy, she freed the inmates pursuant to the provisions of Section 1(1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act CAP C40, 2007, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. Justice Oke commenced the amnesty exercise on Thursday with a visit to Kirikiri maximum, medium and female prisons. She had released nine inmates, four from medium and five from maximum prisons in Kirikiri on Thursday.

The total number of inmates granted amnesty both from Kirikiri and Ikoyi prisons between Thursday and Friday is now 16. The freed inmates were said to have stayed longer in custody than the number of years they would have spent if sentenced by the court for offences charged. Continuing with the exercise yesterday, at the Ikoyi prison, the Chief Judge explained that those granted amnesty were qualified for release after a thorough review of their case files. She however admonished the released inmates to, henceforth, be of good behaviour and stay away from crime. She also advised them to desist from any act that would bring them back to prison.

As part of measures to further decongest the prisons, Justice Oke said the Restorative Justice Centres set up by her administration will take off January next year. She said Lagos blazed the trail in setting up the centres as part of efforts to decongest the prisons and as “mandated by the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen”.

The Chief Judge said prison decongestion is a national issue and at the heart of President Buhari and Justice Onnoghen emphasizing why all Chief Judges were mandated to do all within their powers to ensure that the prisons are not congested. According to her, the centres, which will operate as mediation centres, would determine lesser criminal matters like assault, petty stealing between complainants and respondents, without such matters getting to Police Stations.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Deputy Controller of Ikoyi Prisons (DCP) Tolu Ogunsakin urged the Chief Judge to introduce parole system, community services, accelerated hearings, fines and warnings among others in order to help decongest the prisons. Ogunsakin disclosed that the facility built for convicts in 1955 with a capacity for 800 inmates, presently has 3,138 inmates, out of which awaiting trials accounted for 2,644 while 494 are convicts.

According to Ogunsakin, notwithstanding the number of inmates, Ikoyi Prison facility is run as a genuine correctional institution for reformation and rehabilitation of offenders. “We have been continually committed to ensuring that our inmates do not idle-away but leave our facility better than before their incarceration. Our Human Resource Development Unit- 3R Club (Reformation, Rehabilitation and Re-integration Club) has been deeply engrossed in training programmes aimed at equipping the inmates with useful skills in order for them to be self-reliant and law abiding on their discharge", the DCP stated.

OLOLADE IGE
ASST. DIRECTOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS
08/12/2018

LAGOS CHIEF JUDGE DIRECTS MAGISTRATES IN THE STATE TO DEPLOY MORE OF NON-CUSTODIAL SENTENCING FOR MINOR OFFENDERS IN ORDER TO DECONGEST THE PRISON..

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke on Thursday 6^th of December, 2018, directed Magistrates in the State to deploy more of non-custodial sentencing for minor offenders in order to decongest the prisons.
Justice Oke issued the directive while granting freedom to nine prison inmates. She said the Chief Registrar has been directed to issue a circular formally instructing Magistrate Courts to make use of non-custodial sentences for minor offences like street trading. "All our magistrates would henceforth be monitored to ensure compliance with the directive", she said
Honourable Justice Oke also disclosed plans by the Lagos State Government to set up restorative justice centers in the State."All simple cases need not go to police. The restorative justice center is a mediation center. If there is an agreement and the guilty one can pay for a missing tooth, why go to court? This is a way of decongesting the prisons", she said.
Five inmates, out of 25 shortlisted, were released from Medium Security Prisons, including one Saidi Raimi from Kwara State who was released to a mental home. Four others, out of another batch of ten shortlisted, were released from the Maximum Security Prisons, Kirikiri, having been in custody for between eight and eleven years and longer than the number of years they would have spent if sentenced by the court for offences charged.
The Chief Judge told the released inmates to henceforth be of good behavior and stay away from crime. She admonished them to desist from any act that would bring them back to prison. “Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 1(1) of the Criminal Justice (Release from Custody) Act,2007 as well as Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, you are hereby released from custody today, December 6, 2018. I want you to henceforth be of good behaviour. Make sure you don’t breach any law again. Go out there and sin no more”, she further admonished them.
Although ten women were shortlisted for release in the Female Prisons, she regretted that none qualified for release, as trial had commenced in their matter and are presently on bail. One of them, Ms. Uche Emeasoba had her bail conditions relaxed from N1 million to N500,000.00 and sureties reduced to one. The Chief Judge explained that those granted amnesty qualified for release after a thorough review of their case files.
Lagos State Controller of Prisons, Tunde Ladipo, while responding to questions from newsmen commended the Lagos Chief Judge for bringing hope to the inmates and her efforts to decongest the prisons. Ladipo also noted the efforts of the Nigerian Prisons Service to decongest the Prisons saying that this was why the Federal         Government set up the Presidential Committee on Prerogative of Mercy for Deserving Inmates.
Earlier, Deputy Controller of Prisons, Medium Security Prisons, Kirikiri, Rev. Freedman Ben-Rabbi had requested that the Chief Judge assist them through provision of court cells at the premises of Igbosere High Court, Isolo and Ejigbo Magistrate Courts. Ben-Rabbi and colleagues, Assistant Controller of Prisons (ACP), Mrs. Christy  Diala and Superintendent Joda Olatunbosun of the Female Prisons and Maximum Security Prisons respectively, urged the Chief Judge for logistical support for easy movement and prosecution of the inmates.

OLOLADE IGE
ASST. DIRECTOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS
08/12/2018

CJ PROBES N8.4 M FRAUD IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE.

As part of herefforts to curb corruption in the judiciary, the Chief Judge of Lagos State,Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke has constituted a panel to investigate an N8.4 millionfraud in the Fast Track Division of the High Court of Lagos State

The ChiefRegistrar of the High Court, Mrs. Taiwo Olatokun revealed that Hon. Justice Okeset up a panel following the discovery that two fake Alpha Beta receipts wereissued in respect of a filing fee in a matter filed at the High Court.

The ChiefRegistrar noted that one Oriade Olawale Mustapha, a staff in the Fast TrackDivision who is suspected to be involved in the fraud has absconded after hewas invited to appear before the panel.

The Policehave commenced investigation and has invited some other members of staff forinterrogation. They also stated that it will extend the investigation to theChambers that filed the suit and the Bank where the forged Alpha Beta receiptswere purportedly issued.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)

Asst. Chief Information Officer

Lagos State Judiciary

16th November 2018

Lagos High Court Judges, Magistrates Inducted as Scout Members.

Delay in Justice Administration: Hard Time Awaits Lawyers Next Year.

23,900 Cases Disposed Between 2017-2018 - Lagos CJ.

The Lagos State Chief Judge, Honourable JusticeOpeyemi Oke today, 15th of October 2018, disclosed that the statistics of casesdisposed of by the Lagos State Judiciary between October 2017 to September 2018is a total number of twenty- three thousand, nine hundred (23,900).

Justice Oke made this revelation at the specialservice for the opening of the Lagos State Judiciary 2018/2019 Legal Year, heldat the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.

According to the CJ, "the Backlog EliminationProgramme aimed at getting rid of old cases was part of the means devised bythe State Judiciary to conquer the challenge of backlog cases.

Reeling out the achievements of her administration,Oke stated that creation of two new divisions of the High Court,Economic/Financial Crime Division and Sexual Offences and Domestic ViolenceDivision is one of the major things put in place to move the judiciary forward.

“To ensure that our prison is adequatelydecongested, we embarked on series of prison visits at the various prisons inthe State.

Known for her zero-tolerance for corruption,Justice Oke also took disciplinary actions against erring staff of thejudiciary who were found guilty of corruption allegations.

 Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode duringthe service congratulates the State Judiciary, for the new legal year

In a short speech, Ambode said: "As we beginanother judicial year, I assure you of my continued support and partnership.Our administration recognizes the separate but interwoven roles of the threearms of government. And part of our own commitment to a lawful and orderlysociety is to respect the limit of those constitutionally defined limits. This,we have always done.

"One of the cardinal policies of ourgovernment has always been the enthronement of law and order. Today, I stand ahappy man knowing we have delivered on those promises. 

The increased workload and the number of cases inour courts necessitated the appointment of more judges and magistrates."

The Bishop of the Lagos, Church of Nigeria(Anglican Communion), Dr. Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye in a short sermon titled"The Unchanging God in a Changing Times" admonishes the judiciary tofollow the path of truth, justice and righteousness.

Olumakaiye further charged the Lagos state judgesas well as other judiciary staff not to depart from the path of integrity anddiscipline.

Representing the Governor at the service held atthe Lagos Central Mosques, Nnamdi Azikwe Street, Lagos, the deputygovernor,  Dr. Idiat Adebule emphasized that Lagos Judiciarymust continue to be in the forefront of judicial reforms to meet theexpectation of the modern day justice sector.

Lagos Reiterates Commitment to Professionalism, Public Confidence in Magistracy .

Lagos CJ Seeks Stakeholders Support on Effective Justice Delivery.

Lagos Chief Judge Commissions Staff Canteen and Allocates Plots of Land to Judiciary Staff.

Legal Practitioners Absorbs as Court Registrar.

Lagos Chief Judge Advocates Adherence to Code of Conduct.

Lagos CJ Unveils Commitment Statements in Five Magistrate Courts.

The Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke has unveiled Commitment Statements in five different Magistrates Courts across the state.
 
The Commitment Statements were erected at the Magistrates Courts in Ogudu, Ejigbo, Mba, Agbo-Malu and Aerodrome areas.
 
Giving reasons why she decided to mount the Commitment Statement in all courts across the state, Justice Oke noted that it is very important that all stakeholders in the judiciary be constantly reminded of their roles in the dispensation of justice.
 
"The essence of placing of the Commitment Statement at the High Courts and Magistrate Courts as we enter and exit the Courts is to remind all stakeholders in the justice delivery system, that is, the litigants, the lawyers, the staff and of course the judges of the Mission and Vision of the State Judiciary," she said.
 
According to her, the Commitment Statement emphasizes the hallmarks of accountability, transparency and efficiency needed for effective discharge of duties within the State Judiciary.
 
She stated that the Commitment Statement should serve as a constant reminder of duties and obligation that must be professionally delivered to members of the public and to also show her determination to bring a new dawn to the State’s judicial system.
 
She called on all relevant stakeholders in the judicial sector to key into the Commitment Statement in order to achieve its laudable aim for the common good and for posterity of residents of the State.
 
The Chief Judge restated that the judiciary must continue to be the hope for the common man and prescribe justice without fair or favour to any party.
 
She assured residents of the State of her zero tolerance for corruption and also promised to improve public access, transparency and accountability to boost confidence of the public in the judiciary during her tenure.
 
Justice Oke was represented at the unveiling of the Commitment Statements in the five courts by Hon. Justice A. J Coker, Hon. Justice Morenike Obadina and Hon. Justice Hakeem Oshodi between Monday and Wednesday 27th to 29th August, 2018.
 
A total of 11 Commitment Statements have so far been mounted in both the High Court and Magistrate Courts across the state.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
05/09/2018

Lagos State Scout Council Inducts Justice Oke as President.

The Lagos State Scout Council has commended the Lagos State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke for accepting the request of the council to be its President.

The Chief Judge was inducted on Wednesday by the Commissioner of the Lagos State Scout Council, Chief Jonathan Tawose. Speaking after being decorated, the Chief Judge described the honour by the Lagos Council of the Scout as another avenue to serve humanity and the society in general.

While saying that every opportunity that present itself to render selfless service should be embraced, Honourable Justice Oke pleaded with lawyers, judges and the general public to be involved in nation building and in rendering humanitarian services to the citizenry.

Justice Oke who affirmed her willingness to serve in the capacity of the Scout's President appreciated the Council for giving her the opportunity to serve in that capacity.

Earlier, the Commissioner of the Lagos State Scout Council expressed the desire of the Council to make Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as patron of the Scout Council possible.  He pleaded with the CJ to use her office to facilitate the realization of the intention of the Council to make the Governor part of the scout movement.

Tawose also urged the Justice Oke to assist in facilitating the reinstatement of the Council and upward review of the subventions of the Lagos State Scout Council by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development to aid smooth functionality of the Council.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
17/05/2018

CJ Decries Backlogs of Court Cases in Lagos Courts .

Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke has described the discovery of about 3,000 backlogs cases in different court across the State as alarming, promising that the Judiciary, under her watch was determined to reverse the trend in order to restore public confidence in Lagos Judiciary and make administration of justice quicker and more efficient.

According to her, the courts in the state are presently in a state of emergency following the evaluation of 2,886 old cases files, including a 70 year old case, under its Backlog Elimination Programme (BEP).

She said the 70 year old case, which is the oldest, is “seeking to enforce a judgment”. Justice Oke disclosed this yesterday while declaring open ‘The Lagos Backlog Elimination Programme 2018’ organized by the Lagos State Judiciary, BEP and the Lagos Court of Arbitration (LAC) at the Foyer of the High Court of Lagos State, Igbosere.

The BEP is a programme designed to decongest the courts by re-evaluating old cases and find ways of resolving them through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or accelerated hearing. Justice Oke maintained that the BEP initiative was conceived as part of her desire to substantially tackle inordinate delay of court cases, court congestion and her promise to redress these two problems on assumption of duty.

The Chief Judge lamented “delay has led to public ridicule of the judiciary which is supposed to be the hope of the common man. This delay, coupled with the continuous filing of new cases has led to congestion of the court with a ridiculous number of backlogs of cases, the result of which the courts are now in a state of emergency.

“Presently there are hundreds of cases in the court dockets aged over 5 years, the oldest of which is 70 year old case. This is a far cry to what can be said to be a reasonable time. Ideally the matters ought to be concluded in weeks, months or at most a year. Many of these cases ought not to be in court at all as they could have been resolved through ADR”, she noted.

Citing Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, she emphasized that the rights to fair and  reasonable timely trial before a court or tribunal  is one of fundamental rights of Nigerians. This, she said necessitated the need to urgently revert the status quo and redress the situation through the BEP and Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR.

Justice Oke disclosed that the first phase of the BEP which is on-going involves the evaluation of old cases in batches from volunteers from different law firms, adding that they are through with the first batch involving case files aged five years and above; the second batch involving case files of ten years and above; and the third batch involving case files aged 15 yrs and above.

She said work is on-going on files involving case filed aged 25 years and above.
“After evaluation, facts of each case are summarized,  causes of delay identified and recommendation would be made as to efficient means of disposal whether by ADR or accelerated hearing”, she said.

Giving summary of the cases evaluated, Justice Oke disclosed that land matters accounted for majority of the backlog cases, followed by commercial matters which are based on breach of contacts, debt recovery, mortgage matters, bank and customers related disputes, matrimonial causes, probate and enforcement of judgments adding that majority of the cases are at trial stages.

On the possibility of settlement, she disclosed that 59.3 per cent of the cases are not suitable for ADR ,  49.3 per cent are suitable for resolution through the mechanism adding that the remaining 1.4 per cent are either recommended to be struck out, or parties have reportedly settled matrimonial causes but that settlement to ancillary reliefs can be referred to ADR.

The Chief Judge further disclosed that inefficient case management by counsels accounted for 59 per cent of the delay in the backlog cases evaluated so far. Other causes, she said, included delay occasioned by court indisposition, protracted settlement period, court not sitting at various intervals due to official assignments, interlocutory appeals and numerous interlocutory applications brought before the court.

She disclosed that under the second phase, the re-evaluated cases would be referred back to the court for Case Management Conference (CMC) by a special order of the Chief Judge of High Court of Lagos State and based on individual recommendation, referred to Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA) and other ADR institutions for resolution by mediation or arbitration as the case may be.

The President of LCA, Mr. Yemi Candide-Johnson who delivered a lecture at the occasion titled, “Discussing the Future of Access to Justice and Delivery of Justice in Lagos State: the Role of the Courts and Backlog Elimination Programme: said all indices confirmed that civil justice system is failing and that delay especially was affecting prompt, efficient and effective justice to the users of the court. This is damaging governance in Lagos and the business environment.

“The goal of a global Lagos cannot be achieved unless public has confidence in the mechanism of prompt and efficient dispute resolution and above all, unless they trust and respect the judiciary. It is obvious that trust and respect is lost, if there are corrupt and inefficient practices that results in delay at the courts. These are things researched and identified and analyzed in on-going BEP”, he explained.

The LCA President lamented huge cost of litigation and blamed the situation on indolent and unprepared counsels noting that such can give a country’s legal system bad reputation. Mr. Candide-Johnson remarked “Justice is not just about arriving at correct result or procedural fairness. It is about achieving accuracy and fairness in a reasonable time and at a reasonable cost. Achieving justice means avoiding delays and reducing costs. This has been recognized in the objective of the overriding purpose of civil procedure rules”.

He advised that judges should not be afraid but to exercise their power and authority in order to prevent these pitfalls. “There may be petitions but that should not be allowed to deter you, Lagos is too important to economic development of the country. What happens in Lagos State castrates through the entire country”, he stated.
Ololade Ige Mrs
Chief Public Affairs Officer
17/05/2018

Ambode, Chief Judge Pledge Continuous Support for Judiciary Reforms… As Lagos Judiciary Holds Maiden Bi-Annual Lecture.

Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and the Chief Judge of the State, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke has acknowledged the impact of the various ongoing reforms in the State Judiciary. The duo spoke at the 1st bi-annual lecture of the Lagos Judiciary held at City Hall, Lagos on Monday.

While the Governor expressed the belief that the various reforms would further improve the state economy and grow its GDP, Justice Oke was determined to use the avenue of the lecture as one of several other initiatives and reforms to improve the administration of justice in Lagos State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

“I am very proud of the judicial sector reform going on in the State. I make bold to say that the reforms are very obvious and noticeable with its attendant effects evident for all to see. It is now very obvious that some major reforms are going on in the judicial sector and we are very proud as the executive arm of government supports the judicial sector reforms which we are also complementing with our security sector reforms.” The Governor stated.

Speaking on the essence of the Lecture, the Honourable Chief Judge described the bi-annual Lecture a step towards facilitating closer interaction (practice and continuing legal education) between the Judiciary and the Bar. “It is to be a platform for renowned Justices, Jurists and Stakeholders in the global justice system to deliver lectures on cutting edge themes pertinent to advancing the rule of law and our democratic institutions.”

She said that the theme of the lecture aligns with the focus, initiatives and reforms of the National Judicial Council and National Judicial Institute who are at the fore front of preserving of the respect and integrity of the Judiciary, remolding public perception; and maintaining judicial standards to ensure they meet up with international best practices.

The Honourable Chief Judge listed some being implemented across the State to include Judicial Ethics and Administration, establishment of Backlog Elimination Programme, BEP, and establishment of Special Offences Court, Sexual Offences Court, Designation of Small Claims Court, Child Rights Law and Regulations among others.

She expressed the hope that the lecture would help highlight steps to be taken to ensure improvement of judicial standards that will restore hope, confidence and inspire respect for the judiciary and make it indeed the last hope of the common man.

Also speaking at the event, the guest speaker at the lecture and Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen urged lawyers to keep their private life from the social media platforms because of the sensitive nature of their job. The CJ said judges must also ensure the removal of their personal information online, and as well desist from uploading pictures of their holiday and personal activities on social media.

According to him, lawyers who are desirous of discussing public matters on the social media should do so without revealing their identity,” adding that the interactive design of the internet blogging sites made it important for judges not to descend into such arena.

Onnoghen, represented by Mr. Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, Justice of the Supreme Court, also called for the study of law in the University to be made a second degree in view of the declining standards of education in Nigeria and the influx young lawyers who do not understand the ethics and ethos of the legal profession.

He added that lawyers who desired to be appointed into the bench, in addition to 10 years post call requirement, should also be mandated to have post graduate diploma in law. Stakeholders at the Lecture made a renewed call on the need for true independence of the judiciary, saying that the present status quo whereas the judiciary is always at the mercy of the executive arm of government is unhealthy for the rule of law.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
15/05/2018

Sustain the Vibrancy of Lagos Judiciary –Judiciary Workers Told.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State has underscored the critical role of the Judiciary to the realization of the vision of the State government just as she tasked the workers to responsively sustain the vibrancy of the judiciary.

Justice Oke gave the charge while delivering her address at the opening of 2018 Judiciary Management Retreat with the theme “A New Dawn” held in Lekki.

She said that the Judiciary must not be left behind especially in the Smart City plans of the State Government, stressing that as the Lagos State Government is making giant strides to transform Lagos State into a Smart City, the Judiciary must equally key into this vision by transforming itself into a Smart Judiciary.
“As an inclusive administration, this Management Retreat has been put together for the Management Team who are the first line managers in order for them to become abreast of the vision of this administration and equally run with the vision.” The Chief Judge stated.

She maintained that the fact that technological development and economic challenges have changed the way government businesses are carried out, justified the need for the various ongoing reforms within the judicial sector in particular and the State at large.

Justice Oke highlighted some reforms presently being implemented at the judiciary, saying that the modest successes of the reforms are already being witnessed in areas like the establishment of Special Offences Courts and Small Claims Courts, Court Decongestion programme, setting up typing pools in the Magistrate Districts & Sub-Districts and the Anti-Corruption Fight to mention a few.

She added that the choice of the theme for the retreat was informed by the need to ignite dramatic change in personal productivity, accomplishments and life satisfaction.

While expressing her desire to leave the judiciary better than she met it, Justice Oke said that the transformation of the judicial system rest squarely on the shoulders of the workforce.

“We hold our pride in the excellency of Lagos State and honour and integrity of its Judiciary. I enjoin you all to learn to accept total responsibility for your job success and failure. Do not shift blame. If you encounter a difficult assignment, see it as a new life experience and go ahead and do your best, stay focused on the assignment and finishes it before moving to the next one.” The Chief Judge counseled.

Also at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Odejayi who spoke on work ethics in a Smart Judiciary, said that the judiciary in its drive to follow the smart city path of the state must be prepared to embrace loyalty, integrity, discipline and courtesy. These hallmarks according to her are indispensable features of a Smart City.

Mrs. Folusho Onabowale of Tower Cross Professional Services also delivered a paper on Promoting Financial Propriety in the Lagos State Judiciary. She enjoined the judiciary staff to stay away from all unethical practices capable of damaging its reputation.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
14/05/2018

Lagos Judiciary Gets Three New Judges.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke has said that the appointment of three new judges to the High Courts of Lagos will further provide reinforced manpower needed to advance administration of justice in the State.

Justice Oke who stated this at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House in Ikeja during the swearing-in ceremony for the new Judges informed that the new judges were screened and selected by external bodies in accordance with the constitutional provisions and recommendation by the National Judicial Council without interference from any quarters.

The new Judges are Justice Sururat Soladoye; Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi and Justice Yetunde Pinheiro.

Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke added that although the new appointment have increased the number of Judges of the High Court of Lagos State from 56 to 59, the available Judges are still inadequate compared to the increasing number of court users.

The Chief Judge while congratulating the new Judges on attaining the pinnacle of their career, noted that their appointment had come at a time where there was a lot of work to be done, urging them to brace up to face the task head on.

She listed some innovations recently introduced to further enhance justice delivery in the State to include; establishment of Court Rooms for Special Offences and Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence to enhance speedy dispensation of justice in all such matters as well as the establishment of Small Claims Court to enhance speedy dispensation of justice as it relates to small claims among many other achievements.

The Attorney-General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem while introducing the new Judges, said that their appointments were based on merit and personal confidence. “All your lordships being sworn-in today possess the personalities and qualities required of judges. I am certain that this will further enhance the commitment of this administration to the socio economic well-being of Lagosians,” Kazeem said.

Responding on behalf of her colleagues, Justice Sururat Soladoye pledged loyalty of service to the State, assuring that they would remain incorruptible and sustain the excellence the Lagos State Judiciary is known for. 

The State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode had earlier commended the Chief Judge of the State, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke for her inspirational leadership and commitment to fighting indolence in the judiciary since the period she assumed office, assuring that his administration would continue to support the Judiciary to deliver quality service to Lagosians.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
03/05/2018

Presidential Committee Releases 66 from Lagos Prisons.

Presidential Advisory Committee on Prisons Reforms and Decongestion led by its Chairman, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Ishiaq Bello on Monday released sixty-six prison inmates, serving jail terms in Lagos prisons, just as he commended Lagos state judiciary for the leadership and trail blazing role it has been playing in prisons reform and decongestion.

The committee members who visited Kirikiri Prison, Medium Security Prison and the Female Prison in Kirikiri to release the inmates were in company of the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke and the State's Attorney General (AG), Mr Adeniji Kazeem.

The inmates who were between 19 to 63 years of age were serving different jail terms for their inability to pay fines imposed on them after conviction.

The release of the 66 inmates follow the intervention of the Lagos State government and some civil societies organization who offered to shoulder the payment of the fines earlier imposed on the prisoners while some were released based on medical reasons.

Justice Bello disclosed that some inmates that were jailed for engaging in hard drugs were denied freedom.

"We believe that those who deal in hard drugs should not be sent back into the society. We have decided they should serve their full sentence", he said.

Earlier, Justice Bello, informed that the visit of the committee was not only to decongest the prisons but also to look at the conditions under which the inmates live.

He said the intention of government is to improve conditions of the prisons since they are meant to be correctional centres.

Also speaking after the release of the inmates, representative of the Federal Attorney General (AGF), Mr Pius Oteh, said the job of decongesting and reforming the prisons is constantly in progress.

He added that committee has been to five different states for similar mission in line with its mandate, saying that their experience in Lagos was a very peculiar one differed from what they experienced in other states.

Also on the prison visit were the Director, Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), Ms Titilayo Shitta-Bey, Justice Adenike Coker, Justice Omobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile, representative of the Federal Attorney General (AGF), Mr Pius Oteh , Assistant Comptroller General of Prisons, Mr G. Abubakar, Lagos State Controller of Prisons, Mr Tunde Ladipo among others. 

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
30/04/2018

Lagos CJ Inaugurates Small Claims Court for Efficient Justice Delivery of Small Claims.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke today inaugurated Small Claims Courts to as part of efforts to fast track justice delivery in commercial disputes involving small claims.

The inauguration of the Small Claims Courts, the first in the country, took place at  JIC Taylor Court House, Igbosere, Lagos. Honourable Justice Oke said that the Small Claims Courts would operate at the magistrate level and adjudicate on claims not exceeding N5 million.

She recalled that the establishment of the courts was one of the reforms she promised to carry out to move the Lagos Judiciary forward in her inaugural address last year. She disclosed that 15 magistrate courts have been designated as Small Claims Courts within the five judicial divisions in the state. "Coincidentally, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), a World Bank initiative, under the office of the Vice President on the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria, also has as part of its reforms ‘Enforcement of Contracts’, with the introduction of specialized small claims commercial courts at the centre of the reforms. For this purpose, two states were chosen as Pilot States, Lagos State and Kano State". 

Honourable Justice Oke stated that in January this year, she set up a five-member Small Claims Court Committee comprising a Judge of the High Court, Honourable Justice Yetunde Adesanya, as Chairman and four Magistrates, three of whom she said are Chief Magistrates with administrative portfolios, in fulfillment of her commitment to the Lagos State Judiciary and the court's role in the provision of Enabling Business Environment Initiative.

According to her, the committee was required to draft a Small Claims Court Procedures and Guidelines and make recommendations for matters incidental to the workings of the Small Claims Courts within the Magistrates Courts' System. She was elated that the Lagos State Judiciary now has the "Magistrates‘ Court Law (Practice Directions on  Small Claims) “for the operation of the Small Claims Court". "The objective of the Small Claims Court's Procedure is to provide easy access to an informal, inexpensive and speedy resolution of simple debt recovery disputes in the Magistrates' Courts, of claims, not exceeding N5 million. 

She stated: "The Small Claims Court's Procedure is simplified, in that every step has been reduced into standard forms, which the claimant or defendant/counter claimant as the case may be, simply fills and files, that is, Letter of Demand, Complaint Form, Claim's Form/Summons among others.” There is a handbook/guide, which explains each step of the process, guides through the filling of the forms and provide answers to almost every conceivable question that a party who is desirous of using the process may have. "There is a plan to have the Handbook printed in other languages, including Yoruba, Hausa, Ibo and Pidgin English, to encourage the use of the procedure and self-representation by semi illiterates and illiterates. 

"The Procedure is inexpensive, in that it encourages self-representation by parties. It also encourages amicable settlement of disputes. The Procedure is fast and efficient, every step is time-bound with sanctions for default. The entire hearing period from the first date of hearing, inclusive of the time allowed for exploring amicable, settlements must not exceed 30 days. The entire period of proceedings from filing till judgment is not to exceed 60 days", she stated. 

The state Attorney General, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, in his remarks at the occasion, said that the establishment of the courts will complement the efforts of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode's administration geared towards enhancing justice delivery in the state. He noted the courts are features of developed countries like Britain, Russia, America, Japan among others.

Kazeem remarked Lagos State, through the various reforms being implemented in the judiciary by the Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Oke, has contributed immensely towards the rating of the country as the eighth among ten most improved countries by the World Bank. He commended the Chief Judge for her foresight for the establishment of the Small Claims Court which he described as "a worthy legacy and succor to legal and business community".

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Enabling Business Environment Council in the office of the Vice President, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, commended the Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Oke and the Lagos Judiciary for being the first Judiciary to break the World Bank deadline of April 30. While expressing delight at the establishment of the courts, Dr. Oduwole stressed the need for the training of the Magistrates that will adjudicate on matters involving small claims to ensure fast and efficient justice delivery.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
23/04/2018

Lagos Courts Get New Sentencing Guidelines to Forestall Prison Congestion.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke yesterday launched new sentencing guidelines for use of the courts in the state. The sentencing guideline was signed by the chief judge as practice direction for magistrates and high court judges as part of justice sector reform. The sentencing guideline was intended to ensure uniformity in sentence and fines imposed for certain offences by magistrates in particular and forestall prison congestion.

Addressing the inaugural meeting of Justice Sector Reform Committee yesterday, Honourable Justice Oke pointed out that the vision of the Lagos State Judiciary under the present administration is to make speedy dispensation of justice a hallmark of the judiciary and to improve on its reputation as a pace setter.

The chief judge noted that this can only be achieved through inter agency collaboration and cooperation of stakeholders. She disclosed that a committee has also been set up to proffer practice direction for the use of the Administration of Criminal Law of Lagos State for the purpose of making the law more explicit for judges, magistrates and prosecutors.

She said the committee, aside from interventions in the pipeline, will evaluate initiatives such as adopting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in criminal trials, increase use of plea bargain to drastically reduce the number of inmates awaiting trial, front loading of evidence and restorative justice.

Oke emphasized the importance of an effective criminal justice system to the smooth running of the society saying that it is fundamental to the maintenance of law and order.

According to her, "any society with a sound criminal justice system enjoys rapid economic growth. Going forward, the Lagos State government is working towards building a citizen-centric criminal justice system for the purpose of ensuring efficient and effective justice delivery ", she said.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem explained that the essence of the inter-agency meeting is to ensure that they discuss periodically the challenges facing the criminal justice system and find practical solutions with a view of implementing same. Mr. Kazeem said judges in the Criminal Division, Magistracy, the Police, Prisons, Ministry of Justice among others would participate in the discussion at the subcommittee level.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
29/03/2018

Lagos CJ Commissioned Solar Energy Power for Court Efficiency, Effective Justice Delivery.

Lagos State Chief Judge, Honorable Justice Opeyemi Oke today commissioned Solar Energy Electricity Power Source for use of the courts to improve efficiency and effective justice delivery.

The pilot phase of the new power source, the first of its kind in all judicial divisions, was inaugurated at the Chief Magistrate Court, Yaba today by the Honourable Chief Judge.

Four of such power plants were installed to service the four court rooms, the magistrates’ chambers and other offices within the court complex.

"Our magistrates can now sit for longer hours and be more productive because as long as there is light, the court rooms will be cool for them to work in" she said. Justice Oke noted that the new power source would help reduce overhead cost and enhance power usage.

She said that in no distant future, solar energy power source would be deployed to  the courts in all the judicial divisions of the state.

She remarked that the fact that the State Attorney General, Adeniji Kazeem flew in on Sunday night from Japan to be part of the event underscores the importance that the government attach to efficient and effective justice delivery in the state.

“Lagos is the first to do this. We are thinking of a smart city, without a smart city, nothing can work.  We are moving towards a cleaner energy source that has no emissions", she noted.

In a brief remark, the Attorney General said that the state government is committed to ensuring effective justice delivery system in the state. "I am excited by the inauguration of this solar energy. Soon, we would be extending solar energy to other courts in the state to improve their efficiency and justice delivery", he said.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
26/03/2018

Lagos Judiciary Set To Review Sentencing Guideline for Convicts.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honorable Justice Opeyemi Oke has disclosed plans by the state judiciary to review the sentencing guideline of suspects convicted in minor offences. Honorable Justice Oke stated this on Wednesday during her visit to Ikoyi Prisons to release some deserving inmates. 

A total number of 19 inmates were released by the Chief Judge during the visit. Amongst those released is one Damilola Joseph, a final year Computer Science student of University of Lagos who was charged for stealing but has been in prison custody since 2016 following his inability to perfect his N250,000 bail conditions.

Reacting to complaint by some inmates of the prison who have been unable to pay  option of fine imposed on them, Honorable Justice Oke noted that the state judiciary is aware of the challenges faced by such inmates and is working towards addressing it.

"We have heard your complaints and you can be rest assured that we are working towards addressing them. By next week, we are having a meeting with magistrates to address some of these issues including bail conditions. Thereafter, I will be signing a new policy regarding fines and sentencing guideline on cases before our courts," she said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Deputy Comptroller of Prisons in charge of Ikoyi Prisons, DCP Ogunsakin Tolu expressed appreciation to the Chief Judge for her commitment to the release of deserving inmates. Ogunsakin however appealed to the Chief Judge to assist the prison authorities in its decongestion effort by accelerating trial and adopting community service for minor offences.

"Your Lordship, I am appealing to you on passionate ground to help us in the area of acceleration of trials, and dispensation of justice especially where minor offences can be given a community service as punishment for such offenders. I also appeal for the introduction of parole as it is being done in some countries and the issue of amnesty by the state governor in order to reduce overcrowding in our prisons," he pleaded.

According DCP Ogunsakin, Ikoyi Prison with normal lockup capacity of 800 inmates presently have 2752 inmates. 2261 of the inmates are awaiting trial while 491 have been convicted.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
21/02/2018

Lagos CJ Frees Tuberculosis Infected Prison Inmate.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honorable Justice Opeyemi Oke pardoned one Lucky Nelson, an inmate of Kirikiri prisons suffering from Tuberculosis. Nelson who has been in prison custody since 2012 over allegation of obtaining money by false pretense is also diagnosed of diabetes.

Exercising her power to grant amnesty, Honorable Justice Oke who was at the prison to free some deserving inmates, freed him on compassionate ground. "…pursuant to the provisions of Sections 1(1) of the Criminal Justice (Release from Custody) Act, 2007 as well as Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution,  you, Lucky Nelson is hereby released from prison custody today February 20, 2018. I want you to go out there, be of good behavior and sin no more", she said.

The Chief Judge could not however release about 14 inmates of Kirikiri Medium Prisons whose cases were forwarded to her, because all of them failed to meet the criteria for pardon.

Similarly, about 10 nursing mother inmates of the Kirikiri Female prisons failed to meet the criteria for release during the visit by the Honorable Chief Judge.

She later told newsmen that the purpose of her visit is not just to release inmates but to ensure that any inmate released deserves to released. "14 cases were presented to me for consideration but after interviewing them, I found that none of them merited to be pardoned. It is very unfortunate but we must follow due process in releasing any inmate in the prison. Remember that members of the society must also be protected so we don't just free any inmate without following due process," she said.

Earlier, the Deputy Comptroller of Prison, DCP Oluwaniyi Emmanuel of Kirikiri Medium Prison, called on Lagos State Government to reverse its increment on fine stipulated by the State Task Force Mobile Court saying it has contributed to overcrowding of the facilities. DCP Emmanuel, who pointed out that most of the minor offender inmates in their facility are referred by mobile court, therefore seeks for the support of the State Government to provide them with buses to aid transportation of inmates to their respective court.

In her remark, Honorable Justice Opeyemi Oke assured the prison authorities that prison decongestion is one of the key programme of the Ambode Administration to rid the state off crime.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
20/02/2018

Ambode, Osinbajo, CJN, Others Commend Lagos Judiciary on Establishment of Sexual Offences Court.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Walter Nkanu Onnoghen and other relevant stakeholders in the administration of justice across the country have commended the Lagos State Judiciary headed by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke for the establishment of Sexual Offences Court to deal with only sexual offences in order to aid speedy hearing and prosecution of such cases.

The dignitaries gave the commendation at the commissioning of the Special and Sexual offences courts at Roseline Omotoso Courthouse, Ikeja that also has in attendance the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu among other dignitaries.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke while speaking at the commissioning assured that the judicial sector will continue to strive to be at its best in bringing succour and hope to the people of the State. "The Lagos State Judiciary will remain a sanctuary of hope for the common man" the Chief Judge stated.

She said that the numbers of reported sexual offences cases in Lagos State has increased significantly. "At present, there are about 600 pending sexual offences cases in the High Court and these do not include those filed in the Magistrate Courts.

"Sexual abuse has become so rampant in our society, it has spread like wild fire from home to school, to the work place, on the streets, everywhere. Children, young girls and boys and women are constantly at risk of being attacked including the vulnerable ones." the Chief Judge added.

According to her, the recognition of the magnitude of the problems of domestic and sexual violence informed the establishment of the Lagos State Domestic Sexual Violence Response Team, DSVRT to assist victims and survivors in need of financial and emotional support and empowerment.

She informed that the judiciary had already commenced a campaign against corruption in Lagos courts and among support staffs, stressing that all hands must be on deck to see an end to the cankerworm that has eaten deeply into the fabric of the justice delivery system.

She lamented that the situation whereby there are over 500 cases of financial crime pending before the High Court was regrettably unacceptable hence the assignment of Special offences courts to swiftly address these issues

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
01/02/2018

Lagos CJ Set up 15 Man Committee to Review the High Court of Lagos State Civil Procedure Rules 2012.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke, has set up a 15-man committee to review the High Court of Lagos State Civil Procedure Rules 2012 in order to eradicate delay in justice administration, ensure efficient justice delivery and enforcement of judgement.

The inauguration of the committee took place yesterday 22nd of January 2018, at the conference room of Ikeja High Court 

Justice Oke in her remark, said that it has become necessary to restore public confidence in the Judiciary System, while employing the committee to look into the stipulation of timeline for handling of specific matters. 

The Hon. Chief Judge noted that the fast track division has a nine-month timeline within which to dispense any matter before it, she charged the committee "to consider the viability of extending timeliness to probate, sexual offences and land related matters" to facilitate speedy dispensation of justice in these areas. 

She lamented that over the years, excessive delay in justice administration has become an embarrassing feature of the administration of justice, pointing out that “the inadequacies of those rules have been identified as a contributory factor to the delay". 

Justice Opeyemi revealed that 2012 Rules was initiated to assert the independence of the judiciary and the lacuna identified in the 2004 Rules, adding that it was high time that 2012 Rules is reviewed, notwithstanding that it has served them well, to ensure that the Rules continue to serve the primary function of ensuring justice is effectively administered 

Speaking on behalf of the committee members, the chairman, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, assured the Chief Judge of doing their best to achieve a better result for the improvement of the judiciary system in Lagos State.

Ololade Ige Mrs
Chief Public Affairs Officer
23/01/2018

Lagos State Judiciary staff swears Oath.

The Hon.Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke as part of efforts geared towards ensuring efficient, effective, and transparent service delivery within the judiciary in Lagos State had commenced a 4 day exercise of oath taking by all members of staff of the office.

The Exercise which was scheduled to hold simultaneously at the conference Room of the Ikeja High court premises and the High Foyer Igbosere respectively is expected to ensure that all members of staff are held accountable for whatever action they take in the pursuance of their official duties 

The Chief Judge reiterated the present government's determination to ensuring that justice is not just delivered, but seen to be delivered without delay. Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke in her inaugural speech as the 16th Chief Judge of the state had promised an overhaul of the entire Lagos State Judiciary by ensuring that staff are accountable, dedicated and more committed in the discharge of their duties, adding that the State Judiciary is committed to quick dispensation of justice.

Also, Hon. Justice Opeyemi maintained that the Lagos State Judiciary will not relent in its resolve to ensuring its vision of providing justice for all. 

This exercise of Oath taking therefore, she explained, serves as a reminder to all staff to be committed to the state government in providing quality and professional services in a knowledgeable manner and holding themselves accountable to the highest standards of performance & taking pride in their respective duties.

The Exercise is expected to end by Friday the 5th of January 2018.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
04/01/2018

Lagos CJ Unveil Commitment Statements.

In continuation of her resolve to entrench the culture of transparency and continuously remind members of the Lagos State Judiciary of their commitment to effective service delivery to the residents of the State, the Lagos State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke has extended the unveiling of Commitment Statements to the JIC Magistrates Court Igbosere, The Botanical Garden Magistrates Court, Ebute-Metta and the Magistrate Court Yaba respectively. 

The unveiling of the Commitment Statements conspicuously located within the premises of the three magistrates’ courts in Lagos was a follow up to the Commitment Statements earlier unveiled at Lagos High Court, Igbosere and Ikeja, accordingly.

The Chief Judge who recalled that upon her assumption of office as the 16th Chief Judge of the state made a commitment statement to eradicate if not bring to the barest minimum the level of corrupt practices within the judiciary, disclosed that the unveiling of the Commitment Statements was one of the ways to imbibe the conscience of fairness and commitment to duty in the officials of the State Judiciary.

Honourable Justice Oke expressed the hope that the Commitment Statement will provide a re-orientation for members of staff, bring about a positive change within the Judiciary and also help sanitize the judicial sector.

She informed that all court premises and courtrooms will be adorned with the Mission, Vision and Commitment Statements in order to constantly remind members of the public that there is still hope for the common man.

"The erection of the commitment statement in almost all the court premises is to further assure members of the public that it is their rights to demand effective and efficient service delivery from the Judiciary. Also, the Commitment Statements is meant to serve as a reminder to members of staff of the Judiciary to discharge their duties efficiently and effectively without fair or favor”.

The Chairmen of Nigeria Bar Association NBA in Ikorodu, Epe and Ikeja division equally embraced the initiative, describing it as a welcomed development that will help hold officers accountable in the discharge of their duties.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
19/12/2017

Chief Judge Urges Staff to Embrace Commitment Statement for Quality Service Delivery.

Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Chief Justice Opeyemi Oke, has called on officials of the state judiciary to key into her Commitment Statement for the State Judiciary, saying that it was expedient for law officers to be guided by the Statement in order to further assure Lagosians of the determination of the judiciary to fair justice administration.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State made the call recently while unveiling her Commitment Statement at both Ikeja and Igbosere premises of the judiciary.

She said that the Statement emphasizes the hallmarks of accountability, transparency and efficiency needed for effective discharge of duties within the state judiciary.

“As the 6th female and the 16th Chief Judge of Lagos State, I made a commitment statement at the inception of my tenure and at the swearing in ceremony to ensure a new dawn in the judiciary and to redeem the battered image of the judiciary by ensuring that every member of staff key into my mission and vision statement in order to improve on the service delivery “. 

Justice Oke said that her intention is to use the Commitment Statement as a constant reminder of the duties and obligations that must be professionally delivered to members of the public and to also show her determination to bring a new dawn to the state judicial system. 

The Chief Judge also added that the Commitment Statement will be erected in all court premises and chambers within the Lagos state judiciary as well as the five divisional offices of the Nigerian Bar Association.

She thanked all staff of the judiciary as well as the judges for their support and urged them to key into the Commitment, Vision and Mission statement of the office for better improved service delivery.

Responding, the various chairmen of NBA branches, Badagry, Ikorodu and Ikeja respectively thanked the chief judge for the innovation and pledged their loyalty to ensure the attainment of expected results in her dispensation.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
17/05/2018

Lagos Chief Judge Grants Freedom to Four Prison Inmates..

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke, today, 9th of November 2017, freed four prison inmates in Badagry. This action was taken during her visit to the prison in Badagry. 

All the freed inmates were charged and convicted by magistrate courts for alleged breach of peace and for having no means of livelihood. 

The inmates were release under the powers conferred on Justice Oke and pursuant to provisions of Section 1 of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provisions Act, Laws of the Federation 2007. The CJ admonished the pardoned inmates to " go and sin no more " and to stay away from sin. 

Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke remarked that prison decongestion is uppermost in her mind and that of the State Government, adding that "This is the reason why we are doing all to assist in decongestion of prison by releasing those awaiting trials or convicted for minor offences " she said. 

She however expressed her displeasure with the lower courts for convicting persons for having no means of livelihood. "when has it become an offence to be out of job? she asked, revealing that there is no law to support such. 

The Chief Judge further informed that there is need for training and reorientation of the magistrate on criminal laws, due to her findings in Badagry. 

The Deputy Controller of Prisons (DCP), Olukayode Esan in his welcome address, remarked that the visit which was to release the inmates attested to the fact that "imprisonment is not the end of one's life, rather the reformation of wrong doings "

He however sought the support of the State government to enable the prison authority carry out reformation programmes that will make the inmates useful to the society after their release. 

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
10/11/2017

Restorative Justice Will Complement Our Criminal Justice - Chief Judge of Lagos State.

The Hon. Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke have said that the adoption of Restorative Justice will complement the Criminal Justice in the society.
 
This statement was made today 2nd of November, 2017 at the 12th Annual Summit of the Negotiation and Conflict Management Group held at Oriental Hotel Victoria Island Lagos. 
 
She revealed that Restorative system represents one of such initiative which has been in existence for over 3 decades and being practice in a number of jurisdiction, adding that it is a system we can adopt as part of our justice system to ensure peaceful resolution of dispute. She emphasized that it will no doubt complement our Criminal Justice. 
 
The Hon. Chief Judge further made it known that Criminal Justice is the system of practices and institutions of government directed at upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crime or sanctioning those who violate laws with criminal penalties and rehabilitation efforts. However, the system had suffered a great deal of set back with the astronomical increase in crime rate in the society, the long prosecution process, justice delivery and the overcrowding of prison. One cannot but question the effectiveness and efficiency of the criminal justice System. 
 
She concluded by informing that it is not out of place to begin to consider Restorative Justice system as a formidable alternative to imprisonment, prosecution, as well as a means of holding offender accountable in a way that respond not only to the need of offenders but also the victims and those affected by crime, often with the help of an intermediate in the resolution of crime matters.

Ololade Ige Mrs
Chief Public Affairs Officer
06/11/2017

Alternative Dispute Resolution: Lagos Is on Track Says Chief Judge.

Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke on Thursday said that the state government is on track with the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanism to further deepen justice delivery across the State.
 
The Chief Judge gave the assertion at the Year 2017 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom, (Nigeria Branch) held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
 
She commended the State Government for its remarkable strides in the direction of embracing Alternative Dispute Resolution, saying that almost all the Judges in the state have received arbitration training from the Chattered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).
 
She promised to extend the training to newly appointed Judges who have not been trained in the rudiments of arbitration, 'I will ensure that these gaps are closed at the earliest convenient time. I assure you of the active support of the Lagos State Judiciary and its non-interference in the arbitral process.' Justice Oke stated.
 
While assuring of the active support of the Lagos State Judiciary and its non-interference in the arbitral process, she called for capacity building in raising arbitration profile of practitioners to world-class and ensure relevant legal reform and exponential growth in an up-to-date legislation
 
Justice Oke noted that the African continent, though in a recession, is still regarded as the second fastest growing economy in the world as the continent in relevant time has seen an increase in commercial and investment treaty arbitrations. 
 
She maintained that watchers of global dispute resolution trends say that Arbitration in Africa has reached a tipping point. 'They claim that the market is changing, and African lawyers are responding to these trends by developing specialist arbitration skills to meet this demand.
 
She decried the situation whereby disputes that could be settled within the country are transferred to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
 
'While the outlook of Arbitration and ADR is largely a positive one, the focus on its growth into a mature market in which disputes are heard in Africa rather than being transported to international centres like the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and others is the pressing concern' the Chief Judge lamented.
 
She informed that available statistics, in 2015 the LCIA recorded that over 6% of its cases involved African parties, saying that 125 cases involving African parties were registered with the ICC in the same year while 71 of these cases involved parties from sub-Saharan Africa and close to half of this number were brought by parties from Nigeria and South Africa.
 
Justice Oke stated that the phenomenon underscores the need for more training for Judges in matters relating to arbitration and the enforcement of arbitral awards. 
 
She added that if governments of African countries are serious about addressing corruption in the polity, a good and favourable environment for institutional arbitration to thrive must be created.
 
"My submission is that 'the impetus of advocacy that educates the political class of the nexus between good governance and the localization of international arbitration in Nigeria must be vehement and untiring.  Capacity building in raising arbitration profile of practitioners to the world class must be strategic. And lastly, the growing support of the court and arbitration jurisprudence must be further propelled by relevant legal reform and exponential growth in up-to-date legislation.' the Chief Judge counselled.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
06/11/2017

Lagos CJ Inaugurates LG Election Appeal Tribunal.

The Lagos State Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal have received 22 Appeals from the July 22 council polls in Lagos State.

The Chairperson of the 2017 Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal, Justice G. M Onyeabo, stated this today 25th of October at the tribunal's inaugural sitting.  

The tribunal had earlier been inaugurated on the 23 of October, 2017 pursuant to Section 7 of the Local Government Election Tribunal Law 2008, will hear and determine the appeals in 21 days.

Justice Onyeabo and four other justices: O. Kasali, A. Onigbanjo, O.A Dabiri and K. A Jose make up the panel.

According to the Judge, any application for enlargement of time for the doing of an act or taking a step shall not be granted in such a manner as to extend the time for the determination of the Appeal beyond the 21 days prescribed. Adding that the Tribunal solicits the maximum cooperation from the Bar to avoid needless time-wasting applications.

Justice Onyeabo assured the parties and Learned Counsel that the panel will be fair to all parties and follow the rules strictly, while appealing to all, that there should be no hobnobbing with members of the panel and tribunal staff.

Ololade Ige Mrs
Chief Public Affairs Officer
06/11/2017

Lagos Judiciary Needs More Judges for Quick Dispensation Of Justice -- Ex NBA President Says.

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Wole Olanipekun has decried the inadequate number of judges in the Lagos State Judiciary, saying that the status quo will not make the drive for quick dispensation of justice realistic.

He said that if any State Judiciary deserved understanding of both the government of Lagos State and the National Judicial Commission (NJC), it is the judiciary of Lagos state which urgently needs more hands.

Olanipekun gave this view in his keynote address yesterday, at the Bar and Bench Forum, which part of the activities to mark the 2017/2018 Golden Jubilee Legal year in Lagos.

Speaking on ‘Promoting a Pace-Setting and Productive Judiciary in Lagos State', Olanipekun said for 56 judges to take charge of well over 12,000 cases pending in the High Court of Lagos State is unrealistic, as that state judiciary does not need anything less than 100 judges for now.

The ex-NBA President decried the insufficient number of judges adjudicating thousands of cases in courtrooms in the state compared to their counterparts in the Federal High Court.

Giving statistics to back up his position, Olanipekun disclosed that “In 2015, 3,447 civil cases and 337 criminal ones were filed in the Lagos State High Court, making a total of 3,784; in 2016, the number increases significantly, to 3636 civil cases, with 636 criminal cases, making a total of 4,272.

“From Jan. 2017 to Oct. 4, 2017, 2,895 civil cases and 743 criminal cases have been filed, making a total of 3548 cases recorded thus far while the number will exponentially increase before the year runs out.

“At the Federal High Court Abuja, a total number of 3,963 cases were filed between 2015 to 2017; yet the Federal High Court has about 100 judges as against 56 judges of the Lagos State Judiciary.

He also admonished members of the bar and bench to shun corruption and unlawful practices in the legal profession, saying that judicial workers should be exemplary in maintaining very high moral standards.

“Your Lordships are not only expected to be impartial, decent, courteous, fair, sober, reflective and God-fearing.

“In my honest opinion and I want to believe that of many Nigerians share this humble thought of mine, a judge has no business being corrupt or corrupted.

“A judge should not be influenced or be compromised by other factors or nuances, other than the law and facts of the case placed before him,” he said.

Olanipekun charged the Acting Chief Judge of the State to ensure early appointment of a successor for the office of the Chief Judge, adding that succession process should be seamless if planned early.

In her remarks, Justice Oke said it's a new dawn for the Lagos State Judiciary as she is set to bring about revolutions in the state.

According to her, as part of the revolution, lawyers would now serve as court registrar in Lagos judiciary.

The Acting Chief Judge also restated her commitment to flush out all bad eggs giving the state judiciary a bad name.

Ololade Ige Mrs.
Chief Public Affairs Officer
06/11/2017

Two Lagos Judicial Officers, NYSC Member Nabbed for Corruption.

The Lagos State Judiciary says it has handed two of its officials over to the police for alleged corruption.

The Head of Chambers, Lagos State Judiciary, Mrs. Judith Momodu, said, in a statement on Wednesday that the unnamed court workers were arrested on Tuesday alongside a serving corps member.

According to Momodu, the arrested officials, who work in the court’s Litigation Registry, were allegedly in the habit of not issuing receipts for payment of services offered to court users. Momodu described the arrest of the officials as the practical demonstration of the newly inaugurated Chief Justice of Lagos State; Honourable Justice Opeyemi Oke’s zero tolerance for corruption. She said the arrest of the two officials and corps member came shortly after a tout who had been impersonating court officials was arrested.

The statement read in part, “The Honourable Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke, in her inaugural speech and upon assumption of office as the 16th Chief Judge of Lagos State, made it clear that it is a ‘New Dawn for Lagos State Judiciary.’“She stated thus, ‘I shall lead by example with zero tolerance for corruption.’ It is not surprising, therefore, that precisely one month and one week after the inaugural speech, the quest for a judiciary which epitomizes discipline, honesty, integrity, credence, dignity, honour, zeal for result and excellence, came to the fore yesterday, 28th November, with the arrest of two officials and a youth corps member in the litigation registry for corrupt practices such as non-issuance of receipts for payment made by court users.“A tout, who had been in the habit of impersonating as a Lagos State Judiciary staff member and defrauding court users,was equally arrested yesterday.

Bakare Adekunbi Adebola (Mrs.)
Asst. Chief Public Affairs Officer
30/11/2017

Unnecessary Adjournment Could Cost You Your Practicing License, Acting CJ Warn Lawyers..

The Acting Chief Judge of the Lagos State Judiciary, Justice Opeyemi Oke has warned lawyers in the state to henceforth desist from requesting for unnecessary adjournment.

Justice Oke said any lawyer who continue to call for unnecessary adjournment could loose his practising licence.

The Acting Chief Judge gave this warning yesterday at the 2017/2018 new legal year service held at the Anglican Church of Nigeria in Lagos.

Justice Oke warned members of the judiciary that it would no longer be business as usual in the state, adding that judicial officers would now be mandated to sign oath of secrecy as a way of instilling discipline in the judiciary.

She stated that all supporting staff of judges would henceforth swear the oath of allegiance and secrecy.

"It would no longer be business as usual because it is a new dawn for the judiciary. All members of the judiciary would from now be accountable for their actions and attitude.

"We the Lagos State Judiciary are ready to work and we appeal to members of the bar to help us. We say no to unnecessary adjournments. This practice is not acceptable in Europe. We need to build a judiciary of our dreams.

"We would uphold the rule of law in interpreting laws; stamp out all forms of official corruption; make a speedy dispensation of justice.

"Our mission is to work towards a judiciary that epitomizes discipline, honesty, hardwork and integrity.

"I am also using this opportunity to appeal to the members of the bar because we cannot achieve this alone.

"We need you in order to stop corruption, laziness and tardiness because we want to work.

"We are not going to allow unnecessary adjournments because there are certain things members of the bar do in here that they won't dare do in Europe or America.

"Unnecessary adjournments will cost you your practicing license. Lagos state judiciary is a role model not only in Nigeria but in Africa and the world at large.

"We have sworn an oath and we have members who have not sworn to anything. We want to let them know that every member must swear to that oath and stand by it," she said.

Also speaking at the new Legal Year church service, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode restated his administration commitment to continue to promote the rule of law.

"Let me use this opportunity to re-state the commitment of this Administration to promote the rule of law and regenerate a new era of economic prosperity for our dear State.

"I am confident that under the current leadership of the Acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke, the good people of Lagos State are assured of prompt and fair dispensation of justice, innovations and more reforms that will improve the administration of Justice nationwide.

Ambode said Lagos State Judiciary since its creation in 1967 has continued to grow in leaps and bounds, adding that the volume of cases handled by the Judges and Magistrates has necessitated the appointment of additional Judges and Magistrates with improved welfare and continuous infrastructural developments to further enhance the quality of justice delivery in the State.

"The judicial arm of the government remains the only and lasting beacon of hope, fairness, and justice to all citizens while the legal profession has a vital role to play in promoting the cause of justice, protecting human rights and upholding professional standards. It is in fulfilment of our promises to advance the cause of justice that the first DNA and Forensic Centre was commissioned to aid investigation and dispensation of justice.

"Though we are autonomous arms of the same Government, I must emphasise that our success as a Government lies more in our inter-dependence and collaboration, which must be undertaken without hindering the independent discharge of our different functions. I assure you of my continuous support and partnership as the Judiciary discharges its statutory responsibilities", the governor noted.

The Most Reverend Dr. Adebola Ademowo, the Diocesan Bishop of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, called on members of the judiciary to put God first.

"The appointment of judges is traceable to God himself. God appointed judges like Deborah and Ehud to rule over the affairs of Israel.

"I charge our judges to administer Justice without fear or favoritism. Your primary duty is to discover the truth. You are adjudicators, umpires, and even interpretera of the law and a lot of people are looking up to you.

"As legal luminaries it is your duty to do your work without minding whose ox is gored," the Reverend said.

Ololade Ige Mrs.
Chief Public Affairs Officer
06/11/2017

Ambode Swears-In Oke As 16th Substantive CJ …As CJ Vows to Stamp Out Corruption, Uphold Rule of Law.

Justice Opeyemi Oke has been sworn-in as the 16th substantive Chief Judge of Lagos with a promise that the State judiciary, under her, would not only uphold rule of law in interpreting laws, but also stamp out all forms of official corruption and ensure speedy dispensation of justice.
 
The State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode who presided over the swearing-in ceremony on Friday acknowledged the progress made by the state judiciary in increasing the speed of justice delivery in the State.
 
He tasked the new CJ to initiate reforms and step-up our efforts that would advance the status quo without necessarily compromising the fundamental principle of fair hearing and the rule of law.
 
“One area of our Judicial System which I consider as work in progress is the speed of justice delivery in the State.  We have made significant progress in this regard with the various reforms that have been initiated and implemented.

“However, I believe strongly that we can do more by stepping up our efforts so that the wheel of justice can roll faster without necessarily compromising the fundamental principle of fair hearing and the rule of law.” The Governor emphasized.
 
The Governor described the swearing-in ceremony as an affirmation of the belief of the present administration in the rule of law and the importance of the judiciary to the democratic system.
He said the 50 years of seamless transition aptly qualified the judiciary as one of the most resilient institutions in the State, and congratulated judiciary workers and all the past and present Chief Judges of the State for maintaining the integrity of the institution.

Ambode advised Justice Oke to see her appointment as a platform to sustain and improve on the enviable reputation which the State Judiciary had built for itself over the years.
While congratulating Justice Oke, Governor Ambode said the development was a confirmation of her competence, experience and character to preside over the sacred temple of justice, just as he expressed absolute confidence in her intellectual capacity to steer the ship of the State Judiciary on a smooth sail.
 
He also assured of continued cooperate with the judiciary in developing and implementing appropriate strategies to ensure justice is done speedily. “The fact that judges in Lagos State face enormous work being the busiest in the country; we will explore ways to ensure significant increase in the number of judges to match the volume of court cases in the State.”
 
Governor Ambode used the swearing-in ceremony to unveiled plans by the State Government to establish a designated Commercial Courthouse with the overall objective of ensuring speedy resolution of disputes as well as drive commerce and enhance the ease of doing business in the State.

In her vote of assurance, Justice Oke thanked Governor Ambode and other stakeholders for the confidence reposed in her, saying that she would key into the vision of the Governor who she described as a performer and a big dreamer, to transform the State Judiciary.

She assured Lagosians that she will improve public access, transparency and accountability to boost confidence of the public in the judiciary, among others.

Ololade Ige Mrs
Chief Public Affairs Officer
06/11/2017