The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced on Monday that the toxicology report and other forensic tests conducted in the United States on the late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, have been completed.
The autopsy report is now with the Lagos State Pathologist and the coroner magistrate. Pedro shared this information during a press conference where he addressed questions about an upcoming stakeholders’ meeting and marked his first year in office.
Acknowledging the delays in the Mohbad case, Pedro attributed them to the time required for thorough investigations. He stated, “Forensic analysis, toxicology, all these are part of the investigation. Full proof investigation that can lead at least to conviction in a case that is presented before the courts.” He explained that the forensic examination had to be done in the United States because the Lagos DNA and Forensic Centre was destroyed during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020.
The Attorney General also discussed the case of a female lawyer, Otike-Odibi, who killed her husband and mutilated his body. He noted that this case had faced delays because the file was among the documents that were burned when the Igbosere High Court was set on fire during the protests. The case has now been reassigned to a new judge, Justice Sherifat Sonaike, following the retirement of the previous judge, Justice Adedayo Akintoye. Moving forward, Pedro stated that no case should last more than 24 months in court.
He revealed that a bill for the Administration of Civil Justice Law has been forwarded to the state House of Assembly. Once passed, this law will ensure that cases in trial courts do not exceed 18 to 24 months, while tenancy issues should be resolved within three to six months. “The idea is to ensure that no tenant owes his landlord or the landlord is ejecting his tenant when a matter is before the court,” he explained, emphasizing that notices would be given but should not be used to oppress either party.
In addition, Pedro discussed improvements in the Criminal Justice System, mentioning that delays in legal advice and prosecution have been addressed. He announced the establishment of the Lagos State Criminal Information System, designed to capture photographs and biometrics to track cases of inmates in correctional centers.
He highlighted other initiatives, including a bill to create a Lis Pendens Registry for land disputes. This registry will provide information on land disputes in court to prevent unsuspecting buyers from purchasing land that is already involved in litigation. He noted that this initiative would enhance confidence in real estate investments within Lagos.
Furthermore, Pedro revealed plans for a Customary Marriage and Dissolution Registry, which will allow residents to obtain certificates for customary marriages and their dissolutions. He stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved funds for the completion and furnishing of the JIC Taylor Magistrate Court House at Igbosere and for the payment of 34 official quarters for magistrates.
Finally, he announced an upcoming strategic stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, aimed at strengthening cooperation among agencies and improving law enforcement throughout Lagos State. “This gathering is a direct response to the insights gained from the Lagos Justice Summit held in May, where key stakeholders identified the need for enhanced cooperation and coordination within the justice system,” Pedro explained. He added that the meeting would provide a platform for various stakeholders to work together to improve service delivery and reduce government liability in land administration and environmental management, ultimately raising the standards of justice for all Lagos residents.
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