Lagos sets up committee on police prosecutorial power in courts

LAGOS, Nigeria – Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN has set – up a committee to look into agitations by Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs) and stakeholders that the Lagos State Government should comply with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which they alleged strips the Nigerian Police of prosecutorial powers in criminal cases.

In a statement, Mr. Kayode Oyekanmi, Deputy Director, Public Affairs said the 7-man committee is made up of Mr. Arthur Worrey Esq – Chairman. Members include T. K Shitta-Bey (Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Justice) , Y. G Oshoala (Directorate of Public Prosecution), Lawson Coker, Bayo Akinlade, Rukayat Owolabi and Arinola Ayokanmbi.

He said the ministry is currently in the process of reviewing the State Laws relating to the Administration of Criminal Justice and assures members of the public that they would be informed on the outcome of the committee’s report.

He also said that the ACJA does not apply to Lagos State.

“The Ministry, wish to clearly state, that the ACJA does not apply to Lagos State. Furthermore, there is no provision of any Law barring the Police from prosecution of criminal matters in Magistrate Courts in Lagos State.

“As such, the provision of the Law in Lagos State as it stands does not Bar the Police from the prosecution of matters in Magistrate Courts”, he said, adding that the Ministry of Justice is always willing to investigate any issue that would improve Administration of Justice in the State