The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced that no case in the state will be permitted to linger in court for more than 24 months.
To facilitate this, he has submitted a bill for the enactment of the Administration of Civil Justice Law to the state House of Assembly for legislative consideration.
Pedro made the announcement during a press conference marking his first year in office. He also discussed the upcoming strategic stakeholders’ meeting to be held at the Ministry of Justice in Ikeja.
Once the proposed bill is enacted, litigation in trial courts will be expected to be resolved within 18 to 24 months, while tenancy disputes should conclude within three to six months.
“This is aimed at ensuring that no tenant is in arrears or facing eviction while their case is pending in court,” Pedro stated. He emphasised that notifications will be issued, but will not serve as tools for oppression by either landlords or tenants, ensuring fairness in dealings.
In addressing the criminal justice system, Pedro indicated that delays related to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) legal advice and prosecutions have been resolved.
Additionally, he said the establishment of the Lagos State Criminal Information System (LSCIS), designed to catalogue photographs, biometrics and case information for all inmates in Lagos’s correctional centres.
Pedro also highlighted plans for a Lis Pendens registry for land disputes, aimed at providing information about ongoing litigation to prevent unsuspecting purchasers from acquiring disputed properties.