The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), has assured that trial proceedings will soon commence to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Pedro attributed the delays to a “prolonged investigation,” highlighting the importance of thorough forensic analysis.
He stated, “Forensic, analysis, toxicology, all these are part of the investigation. Full proof investigation that can lead at least to conviction in a case that is presented before the courts.”
He explained that forensic examinations were conducted in the United States due to the destruction of the Lagos DNA and Forensic Centre during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020.
Pedro confirmed that reports from the U.S. have now been received and the autopsy report is with the Lagos State Pathologist and the coroner magistrate.
“The delay is now with the family of Mohbad, who has indicated that they would like to conduct their independent autopsy. But despite this, the trial will soon commence and the court will do justice in the matter,” he added.
In a separate matter regarding the notorious kidnapper Chukwudumeme Nwamadike, alias Evans, Pedro addressed delays in the plea bargain agreement, which is pending review by the advisory panel for the AG’s office.
He stated, “Once they reach a decision and send it to me, I will vet and scrutinize it before sending my report to the court.”
Pedro also discussed the case of a female lawyer, Otike-Odibi, accused of killing her husband, noting delays were due to the loss of case files in the 2020 Igbosere High Court fire. He assured that this case will be prosecuted effectively, as it has been reassigned to Justice Sherifat Sonaike following the retirement of the previous judge.
Additionally, Pedro outlined measures to prevent future case delays. He announced a proposed bill to ensure litigation lasts no longer than 18 to 24 months for trial courts and three to six months for tenancy matters.
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“The idea is to ensure that no tenant owes his landlord or the landlord is ejecting his tenant when a matter is before the court,” he explained.
Other innovations include the establishment of a Customary Marriage and Dissolution Registry and the Lis Pendens Registry for land matters.
Pedro emphasized that these initiatives aim to enhance real estate confidence and streamline marriage registrations.
Lastly, he announced an upcoming strategic stakeholders’ meeting aimed at improving inter-agency collaboration in Lagos State’s justice system, following recommendations from the Lagos Justice Summit held in May.
“This gathering is a direct response to the insights gained… to elevate the standards of justice and ensure that justice is not merely an ideal but a tangible reality for all residents of Lagos State,” he concluded.
