He indicated that the autopsy report is currently with the Lagos State Pathologist and the coroner magistrate.
This information was shared during a press conference where he addressed inquiries from journalists about the forthcoming strategic stakeholders’ meeting and the commemoration of his first year in office, which took place at the Ministry of Justice Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja.
He said, “On the Mohbad case, yes, I agree there has been a delay, and the delay is caused by time taken for investigation.
“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.”
The Attorney General stated that the forensic analysis would not have taken place in the United States if the Lagos DNA and Forensic Centre had not been destroyed during the #EndSARS protests in October 2020.
Addressing the case of a female lawyer, Otike-Odibi, who fatally harmed her husband, Symphorosa Otike-Odibi, and mutilated him, the AG noted that the proceedings were delayed because the case file was among the documents lost in the fire that consumed the Igbosere High Court during the EndSARS protests in 2020.
He also mentioned that the case has been reassigned to a new judge, Justice Sherifat Sonaike, following the retirement of the previous trial judge, Justice Adedayo Akintoye.
Furthermore, he emphasized that no case would be permitted to remain unresolved in court for more than 24 months moving forward.
He revealed that a bill aimed at establishing the Administration of Civil Justice Law has been submitted to the state House of Assembly for consideration.
Pedro indicated that once the bill is enacted, litigation in trial courts should be resolved within 18 to 24 months, while tenancy disputes should be settled within three to six months.
“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.
“Notices would be given but we would not allow it to be used as an instrument of oppression by either the tenant or landlord,” he said.
He stated that no tenant would be permitted to abscond with their landlord's funds, as the issue was currently under judicial review.
Pedro mentioned that the Criminal Justice System had taken steps to tackle delays in legal advice and prosecution from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
He further noted the creation of the Lagos State Criminal Information System, designed to record photographs and biometrics for the identification of all inmates within the state's correctional facilities.
Additionally, Pedro highlighted other advancements, including the proposed bill for the establishment of a Lis Pendens Registry concerning land disputes.
“The registry aims to serve as a repository of information on land disputes in our courts to prevent instances of purchase of land that is subject to litigation by unsuspecting purchasers without notice.
“This initiative will not only reduce incidents of third-party interests arising from ongoing court cases but also enhance confidence in real-estate investment within the state,” he said.
Pedro revealed that a new bill is being introduced concerning the Customary Marriage and Dissolution Registry, aimed at facilitating the registration of customary marriages and their dissolution.
He emphasized that this initiative would enable the residents of Lagos State to obtain customary marriage certificates as well as certificates for the dissolution of such marriages.
The Attorney General mentioned that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has allocated funds for the completion and furnishing of the JIC Taylor Magistrate Court House located in Igbosere, along with the provision of 34 official quarters for magistrates.
He also announced an upcoming strategic stakeholders’ meeting set for Wednesday and Thursday, which is intended to enhance inter-agency collaboration and bolster the enforcement of laws across Lagos State.
“This gathering is a direct response to the insights gained from the Lagos Justice Summit held in May, where key stakeholders identified the need for enhanced cooperation and coordination within the justice system.
“One of the summit’s primary recommendations was to convene this strategic meeting 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.
“The meeting will provide a critical platform for engaging with various stakeholders towards harmonising MDA operations to improve service delivery and reduce government liability exposure in land administration, physical planning and environmental management,” he said.