The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, has convened the Second Stakeholders’ Meeting on Plea Bargain and the District Prosecutor’s Scheme at Protea Hotel, Ikeja. The hybrid session brought together legal practitioners, judicial officers, law enforcement agencies, and development partners to deliberate on reforms in the state’s criminal justice system.
Speaking at the meeting, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, highlighted the importance of the initiatives.
“This meeting is a vital step in advancing reforms. The plea bargain mechanism eases the burden on our courts and ensures quicker case resolution, while the District Prosecutors Scheme decentralises prosecutions and brings justice closer to the people,” Pedro said.
He stressed that the effectiveness of the reforms depends on stakeholder engagement, transparency, and collaboration, urging participants to propose solutions that would strengthen justice delivery.
In his welcome remarks, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, noted that the forum provided an opportunity to evaluate the progress of the reforms.
“These initiatives are central to reducing case backlogs, improving prosecutorial efficiency, and ensuring access to justice,” he said.
Also speaking, the Lagos State RoLAC Coordinator, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa, reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to supporting reforms in line with international best practices. She recalled that during RoLAC Phase I, a comprehensive plea bargain manual was developed, alongside sensitisation programmes for prosecutors, defence lawyers, and judges. She disclosed that about 200 applications were received this year, with 170 successfully processed, but added that more awareness and transparency are needed.
The meeting featured panel discussions moderated by Dr. Martins. Prof. Akeem Bello of the University of Lagos facilitated a session on Plea Bargain in the Dispensation of Criminal Justice in Lagos State, while Mr. Adebayo Haroun, Senior Special Assistant to the Attorney General, led discussions on the District Prosecutor Scheme.
The event drew wide participation, including judges (serving and retired), magistrates, law enforcement officers, legal associations, and civil society groups. It provided a platform for robust dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the development of action points to strengthen justice sector reforms in Lagos State.
The Ministry of Justice reaffirmed its commitment to continuous stakeholder engagement, ensuring justice remains timely, fair, and accessible across the state.
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