Lagos AG orders release of 11 minors in correctional centres

By Adebisi Onanuga

Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Moyosore Onigbanjo has ordered the release of 11 minors in Nigeria Correctional Services (NCS) centres in the state.

Their release followed a tip-off from concerned members of the public that some correctional centres were having  minors in their custody contrary to the provision of Section 207 of the Lagos State Child Rights Law of 2015.

Onigbanjo ordered an investigation into the matter.

“The result of the investigation confirmed a total number of 11 minors in custody in various Correctional Centres in the state.

“With this discovery, the Attorney General further directed that the minors be released immediately from custody to the Department of Youth and Social Development for placement in appropriate facilities.

“As a result of this directive, one of the minors,16 years old, was immediately released from the Correctional Centre, Ikoyi, “While sequel to section 211 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, and section 71(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2015, the Attorney General on behalf of the other ten minors, filed a Nolle Prosequi dated November 29, 2019, seeking to discontinue cases filed against them”

The statement said this was done to ensure their  release from the Correctional Centres to trained officials of the State who are equipped to handle minors in conflict with the law with  the aim of eventual release to their parents or guardians.

The Attorney General has also cautioned against continued incarceration of minors in Lagos State

– The Nation