The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced on Monday that the toxicology report and other forensic analyses conducted in the United States on the late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, have been received.
He confirmed that the autopsy report is now with the Lagos State Pathologist and the coroner magistrate.
Pedro made this announcement during a press conference addressing the upcoming strategic stakeholders’ meeting and reflecting on his first year in office, held at the Ministry of Justice Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja.
Regarding the Mohbad case, Pedro acknowledged delays in the investigation, attributing them to the time required for comprehensive forensic analysis. “Forensic analysis and toxicology are critical components of the investigation. We aim for a thorough investigation that can lead to a conviction in court,” he stated.
He explained that the forensic examination was conducted in the U.S. due to the destruction of the Lagos DNA and Forensic Centre during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020.
In discussing another high-profile case involving a female lawyer, Otike-Odibi, who allegedly killed her husband, Pedro noted that delays occurred as the case file was among documents destroyed in the Igbosere High Court fire during the same protests. He mentioned that the case has now been reassigned to Justice Sherifat Sonaike following the retirement of the previous judge, Justice Adedayo Akintoye.
Pedro also emphasized that moving forward, 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, aiming to ensure that litigation in trial courts does not exceed 18 to 24 months, while tenancy matters should conclude within three to six months.
“The goal is to prevent scenarios where tenants owe landlords or are evicted while matters are still before the court. Notices will be issued, but we will not allow these processes to be used as tools of oppression,” he explained.
Additionally, he addressed delays in the criminal justice system, stating that issues related to DPP legal advice and prosecution have been tackled. The establishment of the Lagos State Criminal Information System has been initiated to manage inmates’ data within correctional facilities.
Pedro outlined several legislative initiatives, including the proposed Lis Pendens Registry for land disputes, designed to inform potential buyers about ongoing litigation on properties. This initiative aims to enhance confidence in real estate investments.
Another proposed bill is the Customary Marriage and Dissolution Registry, which will provide Lagos residents with certificates for customary marriages and their dissolutions.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reportedly approved funding for the completion of the JIC Taylor Magistrate Court House at Igbosere and the provision of official quarters for magistrates.
Looking ahead, Pedro announced a strategic stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, intended to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and improve law enforcement throughout Lagos State.
“This meeting is a response to insights from the Lagos Justice Summit held in May, where stakeholders identified the need for enhanced cooperation within the justice system. The aim is to ensure that justice is a tangible reality for all residents of Lagos,” he concluded.
