By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Lagos State’s Ministry of Justice has reported a significant increase in civil litigation cases involving the State Government, underscoring the expanding legal complexities faced by the administration.
At a ministerial press briefing held on Wednesday, in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Lawal Pedro (SAN), the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, revealed that the Directorate of Civil Litigation received and processed 1,250 civil cases during the review period.
Of these, he disclosed that 100 judgments were delivered in favour of the State, while 35 rulings went against it, saying that the Directorate also discontinued 200 cases and had 170 matters struck out.
Pedro projected a 20% rise in civil case filings in the coming year, anticipating approximately 1,500 cases by mid-2026.
He attributed this surge to the State’s growing economic activities and expanded governmental functions, emphasizing the Directorate’s commitment to protecting Lagos State’s legal interests.
“The Directorate’s mandate includes drafting defenses, preparing evidence, conducting depositions, and engaging in negotiations to seek out-of-court settlements whenever possible,” Pedro said.
He added that the Directorate vigorously appeals unfavorable judgments to safeguard the State’s position.
Alongside civil litigation, he said the Directorate of Public Prosecutions has been pivotal in expediting criminal case disposal.
“The Directorate received 6,733 case files, approved 6,412 for prosecution, and filed 692 informations in court. Between May 2024 and date, 191 judgments have been delivered.
“Significantly, the plea bargain initiative continues to aid decongestion of the justice system, with 403 plea bargain applications received and 362 approved,” according to Pedro.
The AG said the Ministry also operates the Restorative Justice Centre, aimed at decongesting courts by resolving criminal disputes through reconciliation and peaceful settlement, saying thar out of 156 cases received, 78 agreements have been successfully reached, with 60 ongoing.
He revealed that the Directorate of Commercial Law drafted 3,830 agreements, registered 4 bills of sale, and handled 20 pending court cases in the last one year.
Pedro disclosed that the team also secured one favorable judgment and generated over ₦6.5 billion in revenue for Lagos State through its legal interventions.
