Lagos drags National Assembly to court over central gaming bill

The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has condemned the National Assembly’s attempt to enact a Central Gaming Bill, describing it as a breach of the Constitution and the apex court’s order.

He said that Lagos has returned to court to commence contempt proceedings against the lawmakers.

Pedro disclosed this on Tuesday in a press briefing to mark his second year in office, held in the Ministry of Justice, Alausa. 

He said one of the landmark wins under his tenure was Lagos’ decisive victory at the Supreme Court in the lottery case, where the court ruled that lotteries and games of chance fall under the powers of States, not the Federal Government.

He also said the State has recovered the sum of N1.5 billion in outstanding taxes from a commercial bank through enforcement actions taken by the Ministry of Justice.

The AG said the recovery was part of broader efforts to strengthen fiscal governance.

He explained that the establishment of Revenue Courts at both the High Court and Magistrate levels, alongside a dedicated Revenue Recovery Unit, had begun yielding results.

“Many companies have responded to our pre-action protocol notices and have started paying or made arrangements to pay their outstanding liabilities,” Pedro said.

He warned tax defaulters to pay immediately now that the courts have resumed from vacation, stressing that the State would continue to recover funds lawfully to boost service delivery.

Pedro said the Ministry of Justice had been repositioned to deliver faster legal services, strengthen access to justice, and protect the rights of Lagosians.

He stressed that justice in Lagos “is not an abstract ideal but a living reality shaping governance, protecting rights, and driving inclusive economic growth.”

On criminal justice, Pedro cited the successful conviction of Andrew Nice in the BRT rape and murder of Miss Bamise Ayanwole as proof of the government’s resolve to pursue justice without fear or favour.

The Attorney General also outlined policy decisions driven by the Ministry, including a Bill to repeal and re-enact the Lagos Tenancy Law, now before the State House of Assembly.

According to him, the Bill, once passed, would encourage investment in real estate and protect both landlords and tenants. Provisions include the registration of agents, a cap on rent arrears, and a simplified process for recovery of premises.

He said another Bill sponsored by the Ministry seeks official registration of customary, Islamic, and Christian marriages and their dissolution, giving Lagosians access to certificates for proof of marriage.

Pedro said this would be the first such law in Nigeria. “To address delays in civil litigation, the Ministry also pushed the Administration of Civil Justice Bill, which proposes timelines to conclude cases within 18–24 months, stricter adjournment rules, and punitive costs of N1m for frivolous suits.”

In the criminal justice system, Pedro stated that 361 plea bargain applications were received, out of which 314 were approved and 37 declined.

Pedro said that in the last two years, 263 inmates were released under the Governor’s prerogative of mercy, and 4,800 offenders carried out community service sentences.

The Restorative Justice Unit has received a total of 348 cases, out of which agreements were reached in 192. Forty-five (45) are still ongoing at the unit, while 111 cases have been sent to court to be determined on their merit.

The Attorney General highlighted the Lagos State Criminal Information System as a major reform, with 78,982 cases now captured in the databank, including EFCC cases.

“This system enhances transparency, strengthens case management, and aids long-term planning for reforms,” he said.
On safeguarding property rights, Pedro revealed that he had signed 738 Deemed Grants and 810 Regularisation files in the last two years.

He also disclosed that the State’s Anti-Land Grabbing Taskforce received 982 petitions, treating 124 as land grabbing cases with enforcement against offenders.

He further revealed the reactivation of the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, which has resumed operations with support from NAPTIP, the Police, and other agencies.

He stated that earlier this month, the Task Force facilitated the repatriation of seven Nigerian victims trafficked to Ghana.

Turning to staff welfare, Pedro said retreats were organised for both junior and senior staff for the first time in a decade.

The Ministry also acquired five buses for lawyers, two elevators for staff and visitors, and secured 10 flats as staff quarters at the new Magistrates’ Quarters in Ketu.

The Office of the Public Defender and the Citizens’ Mediation Centre were upgraded to Bureaus, each headed by a Permanent Secretary.

“As we take stock of the last two years, one truth stands out clearly: justice is not an abstract ideal in Lagos State; it is a living reality.”

Pedro therefore pledged that the Ministry under his watch will remain anchored on integrity, innovation, and impact.