Mobile court to address high volume of minor offences
Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has said that the Mobile Court functions as an extension of the formal judicial system, firmly grounded in law,
Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has said that the Mobile Court functions as an extension of the formal judicial system, firmly grounded in law, due process, and judicial oversight.
Pedro said the court was established as a decentralised, on-the-spot judicial mechanism to address the immediacy and volume of minor offences in Lagos.
The Attorney-General stated this in his address at the opening of a two-day annual retreat, to Chart Strategies For Statewide Expansion for the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court held in Ikeja.
The theme was: “The Mandate of the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court, Strategies for the Path Ahead.”
Pedro, represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, outlined the core mandate of the Mobile Court, which includes: swift adjudication of environmental, sanitation, traffic, and public nuisance offences; bringing justice closer to the people; enhancing compliance and deterrence through visible enforcement amongst others.
He noted that the court handles traffic violations, environmental and sanitation offences, public order infractions, and other minor criminal matters within its jurisdiction.
Read Also: Shettima welcomes Yusuf to APC in emotional speech in Kano
The Attorney General commended the measurable impact of the court in decongesting conventional courts, enhancing regulatory compliance, reducing repeat violations, and reinforcing the rule of law, while acknowledging that its current reach remains limited relative to the scale of infractions across the State.
He called for a strategic statewide expansion of the Mobile Court, improved coordination and standardization, data-driven operations, and strict adherence to due process and human rights.
The Attorney General added that a strengthened Mobile Court system directly supports key pillars of the State’s development agenda, particularly transportation, environment, security, and governance.
“This retreat should mark a renewed commitment to repositioning the Mobile Court as a statewide instrument of swift and fair justice, covering more areas of Lagos State, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and sustaining public confidence”. Pedro concluded.
Coordinator of the Special Offences (Mobile) Court, Mr. Olufemi Adekunle, described the retreat as a timely opportunity for introspection, coordination, and strategic planning.
He noted that the Mobile Court remains a critical enforcement mechanism in a fast-growing megacity like Lagos, where environmental, traffic, and public order infractions occur daily and require swift judicial intervention.
According to him, the retreat is designed to re-examine the statutory mandate of the Court; assess operational challenges; strengthen inter-agency collaboration; and develop clear strategies for expanding coverage and improving efficiency.
Adekunle emphasized that the effectiveness of the Mobile Court depends not only on enforcement but also on professionalism, due process, consistency in adjudication, and respect for citizens’ rights.
Adekunle called for renewed commitment to strengthening law enforcement and improving the administration of justice in Lagos
In his remark at the retreat, the Chairman, Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Environmental) Unit, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reaffirmed the commitment of enforcement agencies to lawful, disciplined, and coordinated operations.
He highlighted the importance of synergy between enforcement officers and judicial officers, noting that immediate judicial oversight through the Mobile Court reduces delays, discourages impunity, and strengthens public confidence in enforcement processes.
CSP Akerele underscored the need for professionalism during arrest and arraignment procedures, improved documentation of cases, and strict compliance with established guidelines.
He urged the Ministry of Justice to help educate the magistrates about the work that they do saying, “when you look at the energy we put into this work, our cases are thrown out as if we are not working together. This does not make us happy.”
He further emphasized that enforcement must be firm but fair, and that officers must operate within the confines of the law at all times.
The retreat also examined the multi-agency framework supporting the Court, including collaboration with agencies such as the Lagos State Taskforce, LASTMA, LAWMA, FRSC, KAI, LAMATA, VIS, RRS, and other relevant State bodies.
The two-day retreat is expected to produce actionable recommendations aimed at expanding coverage across Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening the integrity and effectiveness of the Special Offences (Mobile) Court.
