FCID AIG, Lagos Attorney-General seek stronger synergy for effective justice delivery

Michael Olumide Alabi

Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, has led members of his leadership team on a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.

The engagement, which focused on criminal investigation, prosecution, forensic support and effective justice delivery, was aimed at deepening the existing relationship between the FCID Annex Lagos and the Ministry of Justice.

AIG Akpanudom, while speaking during the visit, expressed appreciation to the Attorney-General and his team for the warm reception accorded him and members of his delegation.

He acknowledged the longstanding cordial working relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, particularly through the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, which provides legal advice, legal representation and prosecutorial support in cases being investigated by the police.

The FCID Annex Lagos boss noted that the department has responsibility for investigating cases across several states where State Criminal Laws and the Laws of the Federation are enforced, stressing that sustained institutional cooperation with relevant stakeholders remains essential to effective criminal justice administration.

According to him, stronger partnerships between the police, the Ministry of Justice and other critical institutions would not only improve the quality of investigations and prosecution but also strengthen security and contribute to economic development.

AIG Akpanudom also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji R. Disu, which he said is focused on building public trust, bridging the trust deficit between the police and the public, and fostering stronger partnerships with critical stakeholders.

He identified timely legal advice, enhanced forensic support and improved interview and statement-taking facilities as some of the areas requiring greater attention to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

The AIG further proposed the establishment of a joint training programme involving the FCID Annex Lagos and the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.

He explained that such a capacity-building initiative would enhance the professional skills of investigators and prosecutors and promote better understanding of the requirements of criminal investigation and prosecution.

Responding, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, described the relationship between the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police Force as cordial and robust, noting that the partnership has been sustained through effective communication and esprit de corps.

Pedro welcomed the FCID leadership team and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting efforts aimed at ensuring efficient justice delivery in the state.

The Attorney-General stressed the importance of thorough investigation in criminal cases, noting that criminal liability must be established beyond a reasonable doubt before successful prosecution can be achieved.

He emphasized that quality investigation remains the foundation of effective prosecution and an important component of the broader fight against crime.

According to him, prosecution begins with diligent investigation, making it necessary for investigators and prosecutors to work closely together from the early stages of a criminal case.

The Attorney-General, therefore, welcomed the proposal for a joint capacity-building programme between the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police Force, saying such collaboration would further improve the administration of criminal justice.

He also encouraged officers of the FCID Annex Lagos to maintain regular engagement with the Ministry whenever they require legal guidance or prosecutorial support.

The Attorney-General disclosed that the Lagos State Forensic Laboratory is nearing completion and is expected to become fully operational soon.

He explained that the facility would provide additional forensic support for criminal investigations and help strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies to investigate cases using scientific and technological evidence.

Pedro also revealed that the Lagos State Government has established an electronic case management system designed to maintain records relating to offenders, criminal cases and the status of prosecutions.

According to him, plans are underway to extend aspects of the electronic case management system to the FCID Annex Lagos to improve coordination, information sharing and effective tracking of criminal cases.

He added that he would seek an audience with the Inspector-General of Police to further discuss the proposed integration and explore ways of strengthening information sharing between the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police Force.

The Attorney-General also addressed concerns surrounding land-related disputes and the jurisdiction of the police in such matters.

He clarified that while genuine civil disputes over land ownership and related interests remain civil matters, criminal elements arising from land disputes, including land grabbing, fraud, forgery and other related offences, are legitimate matters for police investigation.

He expressed concern that some legal practitioners sometimes attempt to portray criminal matters arising from land disputes as purely civil cases, stressing the need for proper legal scrutiny to determine the criminal elements involved.

Pedro further called for appropriate liaison with the Lagos State Anti-Land Grabbing Agency in cases involving criminal activities associated with land disputes.

He maintained that the distinction between civil disputes and criminal offences must be properly established to ensure that genuine victims of criminal acts are not denied access to justice.

Also speaking during the engagement, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr. E. O. Akande, appreciated the Attorney-General, AIG Akpanudom and members of the FCID Annex Lagos leadership team for the visit and the fruitful discussions.

Akande expressed confidence that the strengthened partnership between the two institutions would contribute significantly to improving criminal investigation, prosecution and justice delivery in Lagos State.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both institutions to reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening the criminal justice system through improved investigation, timely legal advice, forensic support, capacity building and effective information sharing.

The visit ended with the exchange of commemorative plaques between the Assistant Inspector-General of Police and the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

The presentation of the plaques symbolised the enduring partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and their shared commitment to promoting justice, security, the rule of law and effective criminal justice administration.

The engagement is expected to further deepen cooperation between the FCID Annex Lagos and the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, with both institutions committed to ensuring that criminal cases are thoroughly investigated, properly prosecuted and brought to a just conclusion.