Murder: 2 Suspected cultists sent to prison

An Ebute-metta Chief Magistrate's Court of Lagos, has ordered the remand of two suspected cult members in prisons custody over alleged murder of one Agboola Joseph aged 35.

FTZ's boss killing: suspects to remain in custody for another 56 days

An Ebute-Metta Magistrate court has order the continuous remand of four suspects arrested over the killing of a former Managing Director of Lekki Trade Zone Development Company, Late Tajudeen Disu, who was allegedly shot dead during an uproar between the management of the Zone and indigenes of its hosting communities, are to remain in prisons custody for another 56 days.

Court Registrar gets ten years jail term for aiding fraudster to defraud

A Lagos High Court, sitting in Ikeja has sentenced a Court Registrar, Oluronke Rosulu to ten years imprisonment  for aiding Fred Ajudua to defraud former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi of $330,000.

Police arraign lawyer for allegedly stealing $40,000

A legal practitioner Joshua Olomo has been arraigned before a Tinubu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing documents and the sum of $40,000 (N8.2million) belonging to an oil company.
The defendant, who studied law at City University London, is facing a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing preferred against him by the police.

Spare parts seller arraigned for stabbing DPO

Men of Denton Police Division, has arraigned a spare parts dealer, Chukwunonso Ezechukwu, 39, before a Lagos Chief Magistrate's Court, sitting at Ebute-Metta, for alleged stabbing the Division's DPO, Mr. Saheed Quadry, a Superintendent Police Office, with cow horn.

Suspected cultist remanded for murder

The Men of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department of Lagos State Police Command, Panti-Yaba, has charged a 41 year-old, suspected cultist, Bamidele Ajibade, before an Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate's Court, on charges bordering on conspiracy, managing an unlawful society and murder.

EFCC rearrests Akpolobokemi, former NIMASA D.G

The operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has rearrested the immediate past Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Ziadeke Akpolobokemi, outside the Federal High Court premises in Lagos.

Court sentence DPO to fifteen years imprisonment...

A Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere has sentenced the dismissed Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Segun Fabunmi to jail having found him guilty of manslaughter  and causing grievous  bodily  harm.

N1.5bn Contract Scam: Court fixes Feb 5 for Omotseye's adoption of written address

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Lagos has fixed February 5, 2016 for adoption of written address, in the trial of former Director General of  Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Raymond Omatseye.

Sanction: Court dismisses Stanbic IBTC, suit against FRC

Justice Ibrahim Nasir Buba of a Lagos Federal High Court, has dismissed a suit filed by Stanbic IBTC Plc against the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRCN, which was challenging the sanction placed on it and one billion naira imposed on it by the FRCN.

UN Human Right Day: LASG calls for child right

As the world celebrates the Human Rights Day, the Lagos State Government has called on parents and caregivers to create awareness on the contents of the child’s rights law in order to  safeguard our children against all forms of abuse and violence.

Alleged N125bn fraud: Court adjourns Atuche, other's criminal case till Feb. 16

Justice Saliu Saidu of a Lagos Federal High Court, had adjourned for mention the criminal charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against the former managing director of Bank PHB, now Keystome Bank Plc, Mr. Francis Atuche, and the former managing director of the defunct Spring Bank Plc, Charles Ojo, till February 16, 2016.

Lawyers task President Buhari to deliver campaign promises

A non governmental organisation, NGO, known as  Lawyers 4 Change has called on Federal Government to proffer solutions to the challenges of economic downturn, insecurity and unemployment in Nigeria.

Clearing agent docked for defrauding and stealing

A 35-year-old clearing agent, Isiaka Muritala, who allegedly obtained the sum of N4.1million from his customer under the pretext of clearing two cars for him, has been docked at an Igbosere Magistrates' Court, Lagos.

Alleged N2.6bn theft: Judge warns lawyers over attempt to stall Ex-NIMASA D.G, others' trial

Justice Ibrahim Nasir Buba of a Lagos Federal High Court, has warned lawyers representing former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Ziadeke Akpolobokemi, and five others not to make any attempt in truncating the trial of the accused persons.

Man 25, gets 4years jailed term over drug dealing

A Lagos Federal High Court, has sentenced a 25 year-old man,  Dapo Sunday, to four years imprisonment over unlawful dealing in cocaine and heroin.

Attorney General of Fedration charges law enforcement agencies to combat crimes

The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Saidu Diri has described organised crimes and indeed financial crimes as amongst the major threats to the global economic system.

Alleged N3.7bn theft: EFCC arraigns former NIMASA MD,Akpolobokemi, 7 others

The anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned the immediate past managing director of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, DR. Patrick Ziadeke Akpolobokemi before a Lagos Federal High Court, on 30 counts charge of conversion of the sum of N3.700,629 billion.

Lekki Free Zone Tribunal of Inquiry promised communities justice

The Lekki Free Zone Tribunal of Inquiry set up by the Lagos State Government unravelling the cause of the October 12 civil disturbance in the area has assured all parties affected by the mayhem of justice.

Female banker arraigned for alleged N90m fraud

A 32-year-old female banker, Adejumoke Anthony, who allegedly aided some fraudsters to steal ninety million naira, has been arraigned by the police at a Lagos State Magistrate's Court in Igbosere.

Court remands 7 suspects over the killing of NURTW chief, 2 others

A Lagos Chief Magistrate's Court sitting at Ebute-metta, has ordered the remand of seven suspects linked to the murder of a member of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Azeez Otun, 47, a.k.a  Ashake, and other two persons.

Driver remanded over alleged murder, armed robbery...

Justice Raliat Adebiyi, of a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere has remanded a driver, Samuel Moradeyo, in prison custody  over alleged armed robbery and murder.

Murder trial: prosecution unveils alleged killer tools

A prosecution witness  in the ongoing trial of the alleged killer of the late human right crusader, Kunle Fadipe has unveiled at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, some tools said to have been used in the commission of the crime.

Synagogue trial: Federal High Court stops prosecution of defendants

Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos yesterday stopped the trial of indicted engineers and registered trustees of the Synagogue Church of All Nation (SCOAN) over the collapse of a six-storey guest house belonging to the church, pending the determination of their appeal.

Subsidy theft allegations against us are false, oil marketer tells court

An oil marketer, Ms. Adaoha Ugo-Ndagi has told a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja that the N1.9 billion subsidy fraud charge preferred against her and three others were false.

Synagogue building collapse: Absence of defendants stalls arraignment

The arraignment of the Registered Trustees of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) and the indicted Engineers, who supervised a collapsed  six-storey guesthouse belonging to the church before an Ikeja High Court, was stalled due to absence of some of the defendants in court.

Court jailed photographer for two years imprisonment

A Federal High Court in Lagos, has sentenced a 30 year-old photographer, Lucky Guieze and an 18 year-old Abdul Rasheed to two years jail term each for unlawful dealing in cannabis sativa popularly called marijuana

58-year-old woman pleads guilty to prostitution

A 58-year-old woman, Sandra Akomake, has been remanded in Kirikiri Prison by a Lagos State Magistrates' Court in Igbosere after pleading guilty to a one-count charge of prostitution.

Surety for dismissed police officer remanded

A Lagos Federal High Court, has ordered the remand of one Adeleye Oduniyi, who stood surety for a dismissed police officer, Victor Banor, who is facing criminal charges, in prisons custody.

Lagos to help decongest prisons, says Commissioner

Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Adeniji Kazeem has pledged to support the Nigerian Prison Service, NPS, to decongest the prisons using the instrumentality of law.

NUJ condemns governors’ attempt to reduce minimum wage

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has lend its voice to the condemnation of the attempt by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) to renege on the payment of N18, 000 minimum wage, while urging all media houses owing their workers to pay up or face the wrath of the union

Petrol dealer docked for N6.4m dud cheque

A 36-year-old petroleum products dealer Gideon Agbaza has been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing and issuing a dud cheque valued at N6.4million.

Customary Judges gets trained

Lagos state government has put smiles on the faces of Customary Court judges as they were assured of prompt payment of their salaries henceforth

Alleged N68.7m theft: 3 witnesses to testify against NBC manager.

The trial of former manager of Nigerian Bottling Company, NBC, bottle of Coca-cola beverages, Abayomi Adedeji, who is charged before the court, on alleged theft of about sixty nine million naira, suffers set back as the new police prosecutors calls for more time to study the case file.

Lekki Trade Zone Panel; first sitting

The tribunal set up on the Lekki Zone civil disturbance heard that the presence of too many people posing as leaders of the different communities in the zone has remained a challenge and responsible for the frequent civil disturbance in the area.

Court fixed Nov 23 to decides libel suit against Metuh

A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has fixed November 23, 2015 for ruling in a N500m libel suit filed against the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh, by his then counterpart in the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Fraud suspect docked for swindled 7 victims of N2.9m

Police in Lagos, has arraigned a 31 year-old fraud  suspect, Boniface Ugbede, before an Igbosere Chief Magistrate’s court, for allegedly swindling seven ‎people to the tune of N2.9million. The accused, who resides at Jesutofunmi. Street Ibiye at Badagry, Lagos, is arraigned before Magistrate F. M Dallley led-court, on a three count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing preferred against him by the police.

Hemp sellers sentenced to 5 years imprisonment

A Lagos Federal High Court, has sentenced a 37 years-old man, Gafar Yaya, to five years imprisonment for trading in Indian hemps.
The convict, was arraigned before Justice James Tsoho's led-court by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on a one-count charge bordering on the offence.
Upon his arraignment, he pleaded guilty to the charge.

LEKKI FREE TRADE ZONE TRIBUNAL COMMENCE INVESTIGATION

Lagos State government has inaugurate a panel of inquiry to investigate the cause of the incident which claimed the live of the managing director of Lekki Free Trade Zone, Alhaji Tajudeen Disu.

MTN N1.4trn fine: Bid to stop NCC hits rock

A Lagos Federal High Court, has forfeit an effort made by a Lagos based lawyer, Mr. Oluyinka Oyeniji to stop the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC)  on alleged plan to deactivate millions of MTN subscribers line.

Blogger Trial: Federal Court fixed date

A Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed sixteenth of February next year to commence trial of a blogger, Desmond Chima, for allegedly posting two offensive stories on the Internet against the Managing Director of United Bank for Africa, Mr. Philips Oduoza.
The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Yunusa grant the accused bail, after his lawyer, Nnamdi Mofunaya, had argued and moved his  bail application, in the sum of N3 million with two sureties in the same like sum.

King Sunny Ade wins 40 yrs copyright legal tussle

The legal tussle between  King Sunny Ade and Record Manufacturing Company of Nigeria, 'African Songs', and its subsidiary, 'Take Your Choice Stores', which started 40 years ago finally came to an end, as a Lagos Federal High Court, ordered the two companies to pay the musician the sum of N500 million, as damages, for infringing on his musical works, and additional cost of N3 million for prosecuting the suit.
The juju maestro

NDLEA arraign two drug traffickers at Federal High Court

A Lagos Federal High Court has ordered the prison remand of two men, Ikenna Ozoh and Ogbo Obiora, for allegedly laundering about N128m, said to be the proceeds of illegal narcotics business.

The remand of the two followed their arraignment on four counts of money laundering by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Property seizure: Court fixes Nov 18 for ruling in Kashamu's case

Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Lagos Federal High Court, has fixed Wednesday, November 18, 2015, to deliver ruling in the case filed by embattled Senator Buruji Kashamu against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
The embattled senator  is praying for an order of perpetual injunction barring the NDLEA and the AGF from taking over his properties, including a 24-flat housing estate at Egbe and several hectares of land on Lekki Peninsular, Lagos, worth over N20bn.

Alleged N1.5bn contract scam: Court admits evidence against Ex-NIMASA DG, Omotseye

A Lagos Federal High Court, has admitted evidence brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against former Director General of  Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency,NIMASA, Mr. Raymond Omatseye, who is standing trial before the court on offences bordering on contract splitting and bid rigging to the tune of about N1.5 billion.
The court presided over by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, admitted the evidence tendered by the EFCC lawyer, Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, who urged the court to admit the evidence as part of exhibit, pointing out that is a public document with certified true copy.

Property seizure: Court to hear Kashamu’s suit againt NDLEA, others tomorrow

Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Lagos Federal High Court, has fixed the hearing of the application filed by the embattled Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, PrinceBuruji Kashamu agaist the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, over attempt by the agency to take over his property, till tomorrow, Wednesday. The judge also dismissed the NDLEA’s preliminary objection to the Senator’s suit.

Synagogue Tragedy: Federal High Court says Controversial engineers has case to answer

A Lagos Federal High Court has dismissed an application on fundamental human rights filed by the two structural engineers indicted the Synagogue collapsed building which claimed the lives of one hundred and sixteen persons.
The two engineers, Mr Akinbela Fatiregun and Mr Oladele Ogundeji had gone to court to seek an order preventing the verdicts of the coroner's inquest which advised the state government to prosecute them for criminal negligence. 

Again, Saraki loses bid to stop CCT's trial

A Lagos Federal High Court, has struck out an application of fundamental human right filed by the Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, to stop his on-going trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, in Abuja, for lack of jurisdiction.

The Senate President in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/1507/15, filed by his lawyer, Mr. Ajibola Oluyede, had dragged the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, Inspector-General of Police, IGP, and Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, as first to fifth respondents.

Court bars FRC from obstructing Stanbic IBTC's operations

A Federal High Court in Lagos, has restrained the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRCN, its agent, privies and officials from obstructing the operations of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc.
The court presided over by Justice Ibrahim Buba granted an order of interlocutory injunction restraining it or its officers from "from interfering with, or otherwise impeding, obstructing, molesting or hindering" the plaintiffs' operations.
Justice Buba also restrained the FRCN from inviting the board of directors of Stanbic IBTC Holdings to any meeting in connection with the defendant's statutory investigation of the plaintiff's statements.
The orders, according to the judge, will subsist "until the hearing and determination of these proceedings."
Justice Buba ruled on an motion on notice for orders of injunction against FRCN and the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, NOTAP.

Blogger arraign for defaming bank MD

The men of Nigeria Police have arraigned a blogger, Desmond Chima, for allegedly posting two offensive stories on the Internet against the Managing Director of United Bank for Africa, Mr. Philips Oduoza at a Federal High Court in Lagos. 
Chima was arraigned on two counts of cybercrime before Justice Mohammed Yunusa.
The police accused the blogger of conniving with some persons still at large to post online, a story titled, “Randy UBA MD, Philips Oduoza in adultery mess…romances star actress, Genevieve Nnaji…”

Alleged N125b fraud: Likely transfer of judges stalled Atuche, other's trial

The trial of the former managing director of Bank PHB now Keystone Bank Plc, Mr. Francis Atuche and former managing director of the defunct Spring Bank Plc, Mr. Charles Ojo, who are facing alleged N125 billion fraud before a Lagos Federal High Court, was again stalled, following the likely transfer of Federal High Court judges, which could take effect any moment from now.

At the resumed proceedings of the matter which was slated for trial, lawyer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the Court's Chief Judge directive of likely transfer of judges and advised judges no to commence any trial that they may not be able to conclude before the transfer.

Upon the revelation made by Pinheiro, SAN, the presiding Justice Saliu Saidu, adjourned the matter till December 10, for mention.

Inconsistent Appeal Court Judgments Condemnable

The verdicts handed out by judges at the nation’s Courts of Appeal have been described as inconsistent and worrisome by some legal luminaries in Lagos.  

The lawyers bared their minds on the issue during the annual lecture of the Ikeja branch of the National Association of Judicial Correspondents in Lagos.

The lawyers, who focused on the theme of the event, "Effective Justice System as Panacea for Change", pointed out that the inconsistencies in the verdicts of the appellate court judgments had become embarrassing, and regretted that the nation’s judicial system had remained analogue rather than going digital. 

Facebook Tragedy: Cynthia trials suffers set back

Justice Olabisi Akinlade of a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere has once again adjourned the on going trial of Cynthia Osokogwu for adoption of final written addresses. The new date fixed by the court was as a result of late filling of the final written addresses by the third and fourth defendants counsel Chris Obiaka.

Fraud allegations: Court Registrar knows fate on Dec. 21

The Lagos State High Court, Ikeja has fixed December 21, to deliver its judgment over the alleged $330,000, fraud against the ex- court registrar, Mrs Rosulu Idowu Oluronke.
The presiding judge, Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, fixed the date after the adoption of the final written address by the parties.
Addressing the court, counsel to the defendant, Mr. Bamidele Ogundele, said that the constitutional power of prosecution to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt was not satisfied, adding that there was no fact that the defendant visited the prison to collect the alleged sum.

Court declares Lagos' LG Executive Secretaries illegal

An Igbosere High Court of Lagos, has declared the appointment of caretaker committees, popularly called Executive Secretaries, over the administration of local government councils in the state as illegal and unconstitutional.
Justice Abdulfatal Lawal made the declaration while delivering judgement in a suit filed by the National Conscience Party, through its lawyer,  Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.

Ambode reiterates commitment to good governance and selfless service.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has charged Nigerians to continue to be vigilant and united in the resolve not to allow our communities to be used as a breeding ground for extremism, just as he assured that his administration will continue to render good governance and selfless service.

The Governor, who was represented by the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, made this submission while declaring open the 39th annual conference of the Nigerian Society of International Law, with a theme ‘international law and extremism’.

LAGOS STATE ATTORNEY-GENERAL TASKS LAW OFFICERS TO BRACE UP FOR THE NEW CHALLENGES AHEAD

The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem at the maiden Management charged Law Officers to be proactive, innovative and imbibe the use of modern technology in communicating with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in order to perform more effectively.

He also noted that the Ministry of Justice being a professional Ministry is charged with various responsibilities which include rendering legal and advisory services to other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and must at all times ensure prompt responses to State matters.

Tinubu's N150b suit vs AIT referred to pretrial conference

A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, has adjourned till November 16 the N150 billion libel suit filed by former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, against Daar Communications PLC, owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT).
The trial judge, Justice Iyabo Akinkugbe, adjourned the suit to enable the parties exhaust the option of settlement in a pretrial conference.

Firearms possession: trial stalled due to defendant's absence

The on going trial of Sulaiman Sanusi, son of Late business mogul, Chief Abdul-Rasak Sanusi before an Igbosere Magistrate's Court over alleged unlawful possession of firearms was  stalled due to the absence of the defendant.

At the resumed hearing, the defendant's counsel, Mr. A. O Onimole informed ‎the court that he could not reach the defendant when he got a call from the court on Tuesday that the matter which was supposed to be heard on October 29, has been adjourned to October 21.

Alleged N1.5bn Contract Scam: Court adjourns Omotseye's cross examination till Nov. 10

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, of a Lagos Federal High Court, has adjourned the continuation of cross-examination of the former managing director of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr. Raymond Omatseye, who is facing criminal case before the court till November 10 and 11.
Before the matter was adjourned, lawyer to the anti-graft agency, the Economic. And Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Godwin Obla, SAN, informed the court that the agency was yet to get a manual which the accused claimed to have authorized him to sign contracts above the threshold.

Killing of Lagos FTZ'S boss, Court dismisses exparte motion against police

Justice Raliat Adebiyi of a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere, has dismissed the application filed by the Community leaders of Okunraye in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos state seeking to stop the Nigerian Police, Inspector General of Police, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, for further arrest and detention of the Indigenes over alleged murder of Mr Tajudeen Disu Managing Director of Lekki Trade Zone (LFTZ) Limited, on October 12, while resolving a land dispute.  ‎
Other respondents in the suit are The Nigerian Army, Department of State Security (DSS), Special Anti-Robbery Squad, The Dangote Group and Ibeju Lekki Local Government,
The motion ex-parte ‎ filed by the applicants through their lawyer Akinlabi Apara, seeking the following reliefs, among others an order directing the respondents to release them unconditionally from custody, and an order declaring their arrest and continuous detention as wrongful and a sharp contravention of their fundamental human rights enshrined in Chapter 4 of the Constitution and Article 23 (1) (4) (5) (6) (7) , 12 (1) and 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, 2004.
They also want a declaration that the invasion of their community on October 12, 2015 and their subsequent arrests constituted a threat to life, freedom, and private and family life.
They further want a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents whether by themselves, agents, servants, privies or any other person acting on their behalf from arresting, detaining, harassing and invading Okunraye community or otherwise violating their fundamental human rights.‎
The lawyer to the community leaders  ‎while urging the court to grant the application informed the court that the applicants have been forcefully ejected from their homes and lively hoods and that they have been deprived of their rights.
He said that the application is supported with a 38 paragraph affidavit and are relying on all the averment.
Mr. Apara, also informed the court that as a matter of fact those who are not members of the community have been charged before the court randomly adding that as at Tuesday about 25 people were arrested by the police he therefore urged the court to grant the application.
However Justice Adebiyi while ruling on the application dismissed all the prayers sort for by the applicant except prayer seeking to serve all respondents in the suit.
The judge said granting such application will lead to breakdown of law and order. The case has been adjourned to November 10, for hearing of all pending applications in the suit.

Court hears libel N500m suit against Metuh on Nov. 17

A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has fixed November 17, 2015 to hear all the pending application in the five hundred million naira defamation suit filed by the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, against his counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh.

The presiding judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye, directed Mohammed’s lawyer, Mr. Wahab Shittu, to ensure service of all the court papers on Mr. Metuh.

Mr. Mohammed, who claimed to have been defamed by a press release allegedly authored and circulated on September 20, 2015 by  Metuh, had last week filed the ive hundred million naira
 defamation suit.

Mohammed alleged that Metuh, in the said release, accused him of embezzling the funds meant for the fencing of an airport in one of the APC-controlled states in the South-West.

Mohammed also claimed that Metuh said he (Mohammed) obtained money to supply ambulances to one APC-controlled state in the South-West but never did so.

Mohammed further claimed that Metuh, in the statement, had allegedly wondered where Mohammed got the courage to speak on corruption when indeed the APC spokesman had mastered the art of corruption having been “a personal aide to one of the most corrupt politicians to ever bestride the political space of the country.”

Mohammed, who said he was a one-time coordinator of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Organisation, claimed that the statement credited to Metuh was carefully calculated to inflict damage on his reputation and to lessen his image in the estimation of the public.

Mohammed, who is a ministerial nominee, claimed that Metuh had injured his character in a grave manner and caused him considerable reputational destruction and embarrassment.

Apart from five hundred million naira damages, he is seeking an order mandating Metuh to not only retract his statement but to also tender published apology to him in a widely read newspaper for seven consecutive days.

He is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining Metuh and his privies from further publishing or disseminating libelous materials against him.

New AIG Zone 2, assured residents of safety of live and properties

The Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 2, Bala Hassan has assured Nigerians that the police is up to the task in ensuring the protection of lives and property.
He said the police will collaborate with other security agents to ensure that people who pick pocket were arrested.
Also, Mr. Bala Hassan appealed to the parents to ensure adequate monitoring of their children in schools to curb the menace of secret cults in the society.
He said police is organizing lectures in territory institutions and police games as a way of engaging the youths and enlightening them on dangers associated with cultism.
Speaking on the upcoming burial of Awolowo's wife, the security would be beefed up in all parts of Ogun and neighbouring states to ensure safety of lives and property of dignitaries, pointing out that ten  thousand police and other security personnel would be deployed to nook and cranny of the state.
Meanwhile, the Assistance Inspector of Police enjoined Nigerians to be security conscious during the coming Christmas festival, urging them not to reveal their traveling information to their house girls so that they will not take advantage of it to rub them of their property.
He called on people to be moderate their spending and avoid lavish spending so as not to be a victim of armed robbers.
The AIG said in case of gunshot, people should lying down and call the police for the protection.

Synagogue Tragedy: FHC will deliver ruling on November 2

A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi has reserved ruling on the fundamental human rights application filed by the two structural engineers who constructed the collapsed Guest House at the Synagogue Church of All Nation.

Court remands 17 suspects over the killing of Lagos FTZ's boss

The men of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department of Lagos State Police Command, Panti-Yaba, has charged 17 suspects arrested in connection with the killing of Managing Director of Lagos Free Trade Zone, Lekki, Mr. Tajudeen Disu.

Late Disu was alleged shot dead  during an uproar that occurred between the indigines of Okunraye Village, one of the communities that hosted the Free Trade Zone, and the management of the Zone on Monday.
Those brought before Chief Magistrate Folashade Botoku led-court includes: Jaiye Dele,40; Alhaji Tajudeen Jegede, 68, Chief Kayode Raufu, 60; Saidi Akanni, 41; Raufu Agunreje 31, Sunday Bulus 30; Taiwo Oyelade, 21; Abiola Ogunsanwo,20;
Others includes; Stephen Okuriaye 20; Taiwo Gafar 38; Banji Agunrege 37; Ahmed Gafar 25; Moses Okoro 30, Talabi Onadri 43; Ipaye Oriyomi 25; Yusuf Quadri 23 and Tunde Yusuf 27.
The prosecution led by Chief Superintendent of Police, Enoch Edobor, the Head of Legal Department of Police Command at Lagos's CIID, Panti, informed the court of a remand application brought against the suspects in pursuant to section 264(1)(2) of the Administration Criminal Justices of Lagos State, 2011.
He urged the court to remand the suspects in prisons custody pending the time thepolice will complete their investigations on the matter.
However, the lawyers to the suspects, F. C. Morka; Ola Ogunbiyi and Enitinwa urged the Court to refuse the remand applications brought against their clients By the prosecution.
The trio argued that the Court has no jurisdiction to grant the remand applications of the prosecution as it is not the competent Court to try them.
They therefore urged the Court to dismiss the remand applications.
However, the presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Botoku dismissed the submissions of the defence counsels saying that what the prosecution filed before her Court was a remand applications not a charge.
She consequently ordered that all the suspects be remanded in State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department's custody, Panti-Yaba, for the first 30 days.

Mismanagement: Rescue Daily Independent Now, NUJ Tells Owners

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Abdulwaheed Odusile has called on the owners of Independent Newspapers Limited (INL), the publishers of Daily, Saturday and Sunday Independent to immediately rescue the establishment from the mismanagement of the company led by the current Managing Director, by Mr Ted Iwere.
He made the call while addressing NUJ and National Union of Production Publishing, Paper Products Workers (NUPPPPROW) members at a rally to protest the over 23 months salaries arrears at the premises of INL.
The workers were protesting unpaid arrears, non-remittance of pension and tax deducted from salaries, and the withholding of over N4million cooperative contributions as well as unjustified demotion, among others.
Mr. Odusile, who was accompanied by the Lagos state Chairman of NUJ, Mr Deji Elumoye and other state executives regretted the insensitivity of Mr Iwere to the workers’ plight cum investment of the publishers of INL titles.
 “NUJ no longer has business with Ted Iwere. He has committed criminal offence by not remitting deducted taxes and pension. It is for the anti-graft agencies to take necessary actions immediately.
The law must take its cause. “We were shocked by the irresponsible action of the MD, who rather than addressing the demands of the workers, shut down the establishment. Our desire is for INL to survive. To that, we are committed. That is why we will not welcome any discussion with the MD except another body put in place to represent the interest of the owners of the company.
 “Iwere was fooling himself thinking he could blackmail the workers to submission. He has demonstrated gross incompetence, therefore, in the interest of the survival of the company, he should be relieved of his post because he has brought colossal damage to the establishment” Odusile said.
 Corroborating the NUJ President, the National Zonal Secretary of National Union of Production Publishing Paper Products Workers (NUPPPPROW), Mr Peter Okeowo said, “the arrest and prosecution of Mr Iwere is long overdue. He must be brought to book. He has failed as manager. He has been chased out of the company several times, if he has any dignity left in him, he should eat the humble pile and resign.
 “The INL under him has been retrogressing. We are appealing to the owners of the business to show him the way out because he has no interest of both the workers and the publishers at heart.”

Ojuelegba tragedy: Truck owner gets bail, driver remanded in prisons custody

An Ebute-metta Chief Magistrate's Court, Lagos, has admitted bail to Adeyanju Kilani, the owner of the truck whose container fell and killed three people at Ojuelegba, Lagos, on Second of September  in the sum of  two hundred and fifty thousand naira bail, after two subsequent adjournments.
The court presided over by Chief Magistrate Folashade Botoku, after ruling in the bail applications filed by the lawyer to the truck owner ordered the driver who drove the truck, Wasiu Adeleke, to continue to be with prisons authority, pending the time the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, will issue an advice on multiple manslaughter charges leveled against him.
Consequently, the matter has been adjourned to November 18, for mention.
  The truck owner, Kilani, is facing trial on a two-count charge bordering on permitting his driver, one Wasiu Adeleke to drive without a valid driver's license, MOT test and Road worthiness certificate.
The prosecutor, G.O. Osuyi, said that the offences were committed on September 2, on Ojuelegba Bridge along Funsho Williams Avenue, Lagos.
The truck driver, Adeleke, was charged before the same court on Septembet 11, on an eleven-count charge bordering on reckless driving negligent manner, and multiple manslaughter.
Adeleke, on the said day, drove a Diesel truck marked Lagos EPE 46 XK carrying a 20 feet container loaded with iron doors and white cement in a negligent manner, that fell and killed three person's at Ojuelegba Area of Lagos State, causing the deaths of one Abubakar Sule, 52, Umaru Sulaiman, 46 and Kamilu Umaru, 28.
The truck also said to have damaged a Toyota Corolla with Reg. No. LSD 532 CN, valued at N2 million, belonging to Sumaila Marksman and a Nissan Sunny, Reg. No. DG 750 LND, valued at N600,000, belonging to one Mr Joseph Ajayi.
The offences, acvording to the prosecutor, Osuyi are contrary to and punishable under Sections 31 and 36 (1 and 2) of the Lagos state Road Traffic Law 2012.
The accused had however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against him.
The counsel to the accused, W.O. Toriola, had requested the court to grant the accused bail based on self recognition being a senior citizen of the country with no prior criminal record.
The case was, thereafter, adjourned to Sept. 23, for ruling on the bail application.
At the resumed hearing of the matter, on Wednesday Sept. 23 the duo were again ordered to be remanded for another 20days this was sequel to the objection raised by their lawyer, Toriola, who vehemently opposed their plea be taken in a consolidated charge against the duo.
The prosecutor, Inspector Chinalu Nwadiowe, had informed the court of the police application to substitute the charges against each of the accused persons.
But Toriola in opposition to the applications, said the business of the day was for the court to deliver rulings on the accused's bail application.
He also informed the court that the police cannot apply for the substitution of the charges rather such can only be consolidated.
Toriola, had urged the court for an adjournment, to enable him file a formal application in opposition to the substitution of the charges against his clients.

Former Bayelsa Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha Is Dead

Chief Alamieyeseigha reportedly died of cardiac arrest at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, after slipping into coma two days ago and was placed on life support.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Esueme Dan-Kikili, who confirmed the death to Channels Television, said that the death of the former governor was a great loss to the Ijaw ethnic group.
There were reports during the week that the British Government was determined to resurrect an outstanding case of money laundering against the former governor and had requested for his extradition to London.
Alamieyeseigha, who was facing money laundering charges, jumped bail and returned to Nigeria and has since then refused to answer summons for trial to continue.
According to his Wikipedia page, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was born on November 16, 1952 in Amassoma, Ogboin North Local Government Area, Bayelsa State and had his secondary school education at the Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Yenagoa.
He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a Cadet Officer in 1974, and was enlisted in the Nigerian Air Force, where he served in the department of Logistics and Supply.
Before retiring from the Air Force in 1992 as a Squadron Leader, he had served in Enugu, Markurdi, Kaduna and Ikeja.
He became the Sole Administrator of Pabod Supplies Port Harcourt and later Head of Budget, Planning, Research and Development of the National Fertiliser Company (NAFCON).
Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was Governor of Bayelsa State in Nigeria from May 29, 1999 to December 9, 2005. He was  impeached on allegations of corruption.

Election Tribunal: Court upheld victory of Gbajabiamila

The Lagos State National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal has upheld the victory of the Majority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila
It would be recalled that, Gbajabiamila, was declared winner of the March 28, 2015 poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission after polling 21,715 votes.
But his victory in the election, is being challenged by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Tony Ashikodi, who polled 14,550 votes.
Ashikodi, had alleged that the election was characterised by irregularities and a breach of the guidelines set out by INEC for the conduct of the election, seeking to nullify Gbajabiamila’s victory.
The petitioner had also prayed tribunal seeking an order for a fresh conduct of  election, arguing that Gbajabiamila did not score the highest number of valid votes as declared by INEC.
Ashikodi’s counsel, Kalu Onuah, said the tribunal was bound to declare  null and void the declaration by INEC that Gbajabiamila won the election, in compliance with Section 53(2) of the Electoral Act, 2010 which mandated the nullification of any election where the number of votes cast exceeded the number of registered voters.
Onuah, further argued  that a situation where the result sheets were not signed and counter-signed by the agents of the candidates at the polling units should lead to the nullification of the result.
Opposing him, counsel for Gbajabiamila and the APC, Omotayo Olatunbosun and T.N Olaitan, respectively, said the petitioner’s counsel misconceived the law and misrepresented the facts.
The respondents’ counsel argued that none of the exhibits tendered by the petitioner and his party alluded to any of their claims that the election was fraught with irregularities.
Delivering judgment, the chairman of the tribunal, Justice C. U. Anwuka dismissed the petitions and resolved all the issues raised in favour of the respondents.
Justice Anwuka, said the petitioner had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. Adding that the PDP candidate failed to substantiate his allegations of ballot boxes snatches and falsification of result sheets by not calling witnesses to justify his claim.
The Tribunal also faulted Ashikodi's claim of multiple irregularities adding that the petitioner said in his evidence in chief, that he was not present at the collation centre.
Anwuka further said that the petitioner did not link any document tendered with his allegation of irregularities.
On issue of the allegation of failure to comply with section 139 of the electoral act, the tribunal held that the petitioner was wrong in law.

Community sends SOS to Ambode over planned demolitions

Residents of Otto Awori Jobiti in Otto Awori Local Development Area,
Lagos have sent a save our soul message to the Lagos State Governor
Akinwunmi Ambode by staging a peaceful protest to express their grievance
over alleged attempt by the state government to use a private company to
demolish and forcefully acquire their properties.

Community leader of the area, High Chief Saturday Balogun Ilosu, who also
doubles as the Ase of Ijanikin kingdom who addressed newsmen during the
protest, stated that the tussle over the affected properties had been on
for many years before it was resolved in favour of Eleso family of Ijanikin
by the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos.

He alleged that it was after the court verdict that the idea of government
acquisition was mooted by some selfish property consultant, in order to
acquire the land at all costs.

A signboard was mounted in the community claiming a ‘purported
resuscitation of Otto Awori Jobiti Residential Scheme, Ijanikin by Lagos
State government in Partnership with CMB Building maintenance and
investment company Ltd’.

Chief Ilosu said based on this action, the community filed a suit against
the State government, its attorney general and commissioner for justice and
the development company among others before a State High Court.

He said the suit was still pending before the Lagos State High court, with
suit number M/1070/2010 and the court was yet to make any pronouncement but
the respondents had already infringing on the right of the applicants.

The community leader said despite the pending suit, certain property
developer had already marked their houses for demolition and also
threatened the peace of the area.

He said the people of the area now lived in panic due to the day- to- day
threats being issued by the developer, claiming that they had been in
possession of the land which was passed down from generations for many
decades without government interference.

The residents of area, who displayed placards of different inscriptions to
show their grievance, appealed to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to come to
their rescue and not to allow a selfish property developer reap from where
it did not sow.

They alleged that the developer has commenced demolition of their
properties despite a pending suit over the subject matter.

They are asking the court to determine whether the defendants can
forcefully acquire the claimants land under the Land Use Act without first
affording them an opportunity of beign heard on the acquisition as required
by Section 33 (1) of the 1979 Constitution or Section 36 (1) of the 1999
Constitution as the case may be.

They are seeking an order setting aside the 3rd Defendants letter dated 13th
October 2010 or any other instrument by which the Defendants purpoted to
have acquired the claimants land or committed the claimants land under a
Global Acquisition.

They are seeking an injunction restraining the Defendants, whether by
themselves their agents, private auditor, representatives from interfering
in any manner whatsoever with the claimants rights to , or otherwise
preventing the claimants from exercising their rights over the land more
particularly described and delineated in survey plan number LAG77/2010/271.

They are also seeking damages in the sum of Five Million Naira Only for
the unlawful act of the Defendants in interfering with the Claimants rights
to the land.

Court orders Zamfara state to pay Ecobank N3.1bn debt

Justice Okon Abang of a Lagos Federal High Court, has ordered the Zamfara State government to pay a judgment sum of N3.159,017,940.71, Ecobank Nigeria Limited, being the outstanding indebtedness to the bank.

Justice Abang gave the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by Ecobank Nigeria Limited, against the Zamfara state government.
Other defendants in the suit are; Zamfara state's Attorney-General, Zamfara State Ministry of Finance; Accountant-General of the Federation; Attorney-General of the Federation and Central Bank of Nigeria.
Ecobank Plc in a suit listed 'undefended', and marked FHC/L/CS/872/2015, had dragged the Zamfara state government before the Court over a loan of N1.5 billion obtained from Oceanic International Bank in the month of May, 2009.
The Bank in an affidavit in support of the suit deposed to by Oluwafunmilola Salami, a lawyer in the law government firm of Kunle Ogunba and Associates, averred that Zamfara state government through the Ministry of Finance, had in the month of May, 2009,  received an extended facility of N1.5 billion from the Oceanic International Bank Limited, now consolidated with Ecobank Nigeria Limited.
The deponent averred that the major security for the disbursement of the said loan facility was a conditional Irrevocable Standing Payment Order, ISPO, from the State government Valued Added Tax, VAT, domiciled with the First Bank Plc.  She added that facility however suffered a set back when First Bank Plc stopped warehousing the State's Federation Account Allocation Committee, FACC, and consequently declined further remittance of for the payment of the indebtedness that arose f red m the subject facility.
The deponent also averred that due to the above an agreement was reached to restructure the debt in November 2010, after while the Zamfara government honoured rentals for few months. She added that the Zamfara state government till date have not pay the rentals despite the fact that such have fallen due.
The deponent further averred that upon the restructure, all relevant council and House resolutions were obtained by the Bank alongside another Irrevocable Standing Payment Orders, ISPO, on the main Federation Account Allocation Committee, FACC, account domiciled with the then Intercontinental Bank Plc, now Access Bank Plc. And that despite the restructure and the documentations as security between the Bank and Zamfara state government in respect of the loan, the said Zamfara state government has failed and neglect to liquidate the indebtedness leaving a huge sum of outstanding and yet to be liquidated
Consequently, Ecobank Limited through its lawyer, Mr. Kunle Ogunba, approached the court for the following claims; judgment against the Zamfara state government, the state's Attorney-General and Ministry of Finance, jointly and severally  in the sum of N3, 159,017,940.71, being the outstanding indebtedness and yet to be liquidated sum on the facility of extended to the Zamfara state government by the legacy Oceanic International Bank Plc.
An interest on the said sum at the rate of 30 percent par annum from the March 1, 2013, till the day judgment, and 10 percent rate par annum until final liquidation of the Judgment.
The plaintiff also claimed the sum of N50 million as the cost for the prosecution of the suit. And an order directing the fourth to seventh defendants to deduct the judgment sum and interest thereon from the Finance accruable to Zamfara state  government from the Federation accounts. Also an order directing the second to seventh defendants to ensure the full and effectual compliance with the judgment of the Court.
But Justice Abang, while granting all the plaintiff's claims, only award the sum of N50,000,00, as the cost for prosecuting the suit against the first to third.

N789.6m fuel subsidy fraud: 3 oil marketers to know fate Nov.17

A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has fixed November Seventeenth to deliver ruling on the no-case submission filed by three oil marketers charged with N789.6 million fuel subsidy fraud.
Justice Lateefa Okunnu fixed the date after hearing the submissions of their counsel, Prof. Alfred Kasumu (SAN), Mr Abubakar Shamsudeen and Mr Eubena Ahmedu and the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN.
The marketers; Adamu Maula, George Ogbonna and Emmanuel Morah are being prosecuted alongside their firms - Downstream Energy Sources Ltd. and Rocky Energy Ltd.
They were re-arraigned on April 1,2014 on an amended 26-count charge  bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretences, forgery, uttering and use of false documents.
The EFCC alleged that the defendants did not import the 10,862 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for which they received subsidy payment from the Federal Government.
However, their lawyers in the separate no-case submissions, urged the court to dismiss the charge for want of jurisdiction.
"The entire 26 counts against the applicants all relate to matters over which it is only the Federal High Court that had exclusive jurisdiction as provided in Section 251 (a)(g) (n) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 19 of the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act,2004.
"The entire evidence led by the prosecution and contents of the 26 counts amended information together with the extant laws, this honourable court lacks the jurisdiction to adjudicate on the information," they said.
According to them, the evidence adduced so far by the 11 prosecution witnesses has not established a prima facies case against the defendants.
The defence lawyers said the evidence of the prosecution witnesses was so manifestly unreliable with material contradictions and inconsistency that no court or tribunal could reasonably convict.
They further argued that the charge was an abuse of court processes and was not filed in accordance with the due process of the law.
In his reply, Jacobs  urged the court to dismiss the applications and order the defendants to enter their defence.
He argued that the 11 witnesses and 48 exhibits tendered by the prosecution had sufficiently established a prima facie case against all the defendants.
According to him, the defendants colluded to defraud the Federal Government by obtaining subsidy payment without importing any product.

Cybercrime: 4 youth arraigned for swindled retired AIG of N1.8m

Men of Special Fraud Unit, SFU,of Nigeria Police Force, has charged a lady  and three men before Lagos Federal High Court,for allegedly swindled one Felix Uyanna  a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, to the sum of 1.8 million, through e-mail scam.
The four accused persons, who were charged before Justice Muhammed Yunusa led-court, were arraigned on a three count-charge bordering of cybercrime.
The SFU had alleged in a charge dated October 2, 2015, and marked FHC/L/402c/2015, filed before the court by the prosecutor, Mr. Effiong Asuquo, a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, had between the month of April and May, 2015, hacked into the e-mail account of one Adebayo Orefuwa, and used the name to fraudulently obtained the sum of N1.8 million from the retired AIG.
The offences according to CSP Asuquo, a contrary to sections 27(1)(b): 22(2)(a),(b)(i)(ii)(iii) and 14(2) of the cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention etc)Act 2015, and punishable under section 22(2)(b)(iv) of the same law.
The four accused persoms pleaded not guilty to the count charges.
Upon the accused persons not guilty plea, the prosecutor, CSP Asuquo, urged the court to order their remand in prisons custody pending trial.
But the lawyer to the accused persons, Mr. Ben Ebechina, in opposition to the prosecutor's remand application, urged the court to admit them to bail in the most liberal term. Alternatively, he urged the to remand the accused persons in SFU's custody.
However, the presiding judge, Justice Yususa, ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prisons custody, pending the time their bail applications will be heard.
The matter has been adjourned till October 19, for hearing of accused persons' bail applications.

Federal High Court reassigned Synagogue collapsed building matter

A Federal High Court in Lagos has reassigned the suit filed by two structural engineers who constructed the six storey building of the Synagogue Church of all Nations which collapsed in September2014 to another judge.
The case had initially been before Justice Muhammad Idris before it was later reassigned to Justice Ibrahim Buba for continuation of trial.
At the resumed hearing, Counsel to the two engineers, Mr. Olalekan Ojo pleaded for more time to respond to the counter application filed by the Council for the Regulation  of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN.
The two structural engineers, Messrs Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun, had gone to court to seek an order quashing the verdict of the coroner’s inquest which advised the state government to prosecute them for criminal negligence.
They are seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Lagos State Attorney General or any officer under his authority from initiating or commencing criminal proceedings against them on the basis of the coroner’s verdict that indicted them of criminal negligence.
They also prayed the court to stop the police from arresting and investigating them based on the verdict of the coroner.
But the engineers, who are displeased with the verdict of the coroner, had approached a Federal High Court in Lagos seeking outright dismissal of the coroner’s findings and recommendations.
They urged the court to make an order restraining the police from arresting or inviting them for questioning based on the verdict of the coroner.
The court has adjourned till October nineteenth, to hear the preliminary objection.
The September 12, 2014 tragic incident claimed the lives of 85 South Africans, 22 Nigerians, two Beninoise, one Togolese and six unidentified persons.

New legal year: Ambode promises synergy with judiciary

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has restated the determination of his administration to partner with the state judiciary.
Speaking at a special church service which took place at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos as part of activities heralding the commencement of the 2015/2016 legal year, Governor Ambode described the judiciary as the most veritable instrument for attaining growth and economic development in the state.
According to the Governor, "I didn't know that this is the first time a governor will be attending the service of new legal year in Lagos State. I just felt it was dutiful for me to be here."
Earlier in his sermon, the Lord Bishop of Badagry, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Rt Reverend B.J Adeyemi noted that the grace to be a judge, magistrate and an advocate must not be taken for granted.
He therefore called on judges, magistrates and advocates across the state to let the light of God shine as they dispense justice in all cases assigned to them.
The clergy said, "We are in the world to serve God and humanity. We are pilgrims in this world and when the time comes, we would give account of our stewardship before God.
"You should desist from all forms of corruption. Corruption is thriving in Nigeria because nobody is doing anything about it.
"The judiciary has a great role to play, and to achieve this, judges, magistrates and advocates must be incorruptible. You should be like Jesus while dispensing justice.
"You should be upright in your decisions and rededicate your lives to God and live up to your callings as judges.
‎At the Lagos Central Mosque, an Islamic scholar and a professor of history, Tajudeen Gbadamosi urged the judiciary not to frustrate President Muhammadu Buhari's determination to wipe out corruption from the country.
Giving the charge while delivering a lecture entitled, "Ethics Of Wealth" at the muslim service to mark the commencement of the new legal year, the academic giant further advised Nigerians to earn their wealth lawfully and spend it responsibly.
Professor Gbadamosi also advised judges to be pro-active, and carryout their duties with the fear of God without favour or bias to the people regardless of their class, political affiliation and status in the society.
He said, "Wholesome wealth could be some profit from our capital, wages for our labour, an inheritance, or a gift. Our wealth should never come from bribery, theft, robbery, deceit, interest, gambling and the rest
" Public perception of the justice system in Nigeria, especially with regard to fraud and corruption, is that the more you steal, the less your prison terms.
"We have seen numerous examples, especially within the last few years of people who stole from the public treasury, from our commonwealth and who diverted public funds for selfish use. Yet these people got court judgment which could at best be described as 'a tap on the hand."
The mosque service was attended by the state's Deputy Governor, Dr Idayat Aderanti-Adebule among other dignitaries. 

Lagos Chief Judge laud anti corruption war

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade has charged the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to give full support to the state judiciary in its bid to attaining it's set objective of ensuring that justice is served on all.
Speaking during her welcome address at the Bar and Bench Forum which took place at the High Court of Lagos State Foyer, Igbosere, the CJ who insisted that the judiciary under her watch would see to the improvement of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in the state, maintained that the state judiciary would remain a model in Nigeria and indeed in Africa.
Justice Atilade also called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to cooperate with the state judiciary so as to aid speedy dispensation of justice in the state.
According to the CJ, "The Lagos State judiciary will continue to perform of its responsibilities and also provide modern infrastructures that would also held in the quick dispensation of justice.
"We must be steadfast and honest while discharging our duties as officers in the temple of justice. We will ensure justice in all cases and at all times."
Justice Atilade explained that the Bail Information Management System (BIMS), newly introduced  into the state's judicial system would capture full documentation of the defendants and their sureties including their biometrics.
The CJ maintained that BIMS is  designed to address some of the unique challenges bedevilling the criminal justice system and to also see to the reduction of abuses by those she termed unscrupulous lawyers and professional sureties.
According to her, "The trials of suspects are usually delayed due to non-production in court by prison authorities who sometimes cannot even identify their specific places of remand.
"The BIMS will be deployed in the 22 magisterial districts and the Lagos and Ikeja Divisions of the Lagos State High Court.
"The information will be linked to a centralised data base accessible to everybody and give judges and magistrates confidence to grant bail to suspects.
"It will help to address the issue of awaiting trial inmates because suspects can easily be tracked from the system." 
Delivering a lecture on the topic, "The role of the Bar in attaining effective and efficient justice delivery," Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Funke Adekoya expressed sadness over a situation where judges unnecessarily indulge lawyers in their various courts. This she said would hamper effective and efficient justice delivery.
While advising younger judges to balance such a development, the SAN said there is the need for all judges to ensure that all cases placed before them ends up with a result.
Adekoya added that, "Cases must be concluded, judgment must be handed down and record of proceedings must be made available."
"For lawyers, they must be able to embrace mediation, avoid objection to stay of proceedings, and avoid unnecessary applications for adjournment."
In making known some of the challenges confronting the administration of justice in the state, as presented by chairmen of the four branches of the NBA in Lagos State, Ikeja branch chairman of NBA, Yinka Farounbi expressed the determination of the Bar to always cooperate and continue to partner with the judiciary in ensuring that an Ideal, efficient, effective and a corrupt free judicial system is achieved in the state.