AIG FCID Annex Lagos Pays Courtesy Visit to the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice | Blissful Affairs Online
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom psc fdc mspsp MNIM FCAI, led members of his Leadership Team on a courtesy visit to the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, to strengthen existing synergy between the FCID Annex, Lagos, and enhance criminal investigations, prosecution, and effective justice delivery in Lagos State.
In his remarks, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom expressed appreciation to the Honourable Attorney-General and his team for the warm reception. He noted the longstanding cordial working relationship with the Nigeria Police Force, particularly through the Directorate of Public Prosecutions in providing legal advice, legal representation, and prosecutorial support for cases under investigation.
The AIG further noted that the FCID Annex Lagos oversees investigations across several states where State Criminal Laws and Laws of the Federation are enforced. He emphasized that sustained institutional cooperation/partnerships and collaboration with key officers of the Ministry of Justice, and the Force is vital to improving justice delivery, strengthening security, and promoting economic development. He reiterated the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji R. Disu, psc(+), NPM, which is centred on building public trust, bridging the trust deficit, and fostering stronger partnerships with critical stakeholders.
AIG Akpanudom highlighted the need for timely legal advice, enhanced forensic support, and improved interview and statement-taking facilities in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). He also proposed a joint training programme between the FCID Annex Lagos and the Ministry of Justice, to further strengthen the capacity of investigators and prosecutors in the administration of criminal justice.
Welcoming the delegation, the Honourable Attorney-General, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, appreciated the AIG and his leadership team for the visit and described the existing relationship between the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police Force as cordial, robust, and founded on effective communication and esprit de corps. He reaffirmed his commitment to efficient justice delivery, noting that criminal cases must be thoroughly investigated to proof criminal liabilities beyond reasonable doubt, as quality investigation remains the bedrock of successful prosecution and crime reduction.
The Attorney-General welcomed the proposal for a joint capacity-building programme between the Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizing that prosecution begins with diligent investigation and that both institutions must continue to work in synergy. He further observed that cases are sometimes taken over for review. He encouraged officers of the FCID Annex Lagos to maintain close engagement with the Ministry whenever legal guidance or prosecutorial support is required.
The Honourable Attorney-General, also disclosed that the Lagos State Forensic Laboratory is nearing completion and will soon become fully operational to strengthen forensic support for criminal investigations. He further revealed that the State has established an electronic case management system for maintaining records of offenders, criminal cases, and the status of prosecutions, adding that plans are underway to extend aspects of the system to the FCID Annex Lagos to improve coordination and information sharing. This he promised to seek the seek audience with the Inspector-General of Police.
Addressing issues relating to land matters, the Attorney-General clarified that while genuine civil land disputes remain outside criminal jurisdiction, criminal aspects such as land grabbing, fraud, forgery, and other related offences are legitimate matters for police investigation. He noted that some legal practitioners often attempt to portray criminal matters as purely civil disputes and stressed the need for proper legal scrutiny in such cases, and liaison with the Anti Land Grabbing Agency of the State.
Also speaking during the engagement, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr. E. O. Akande, appreciated the Honourable Attorney-General, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, and members of the FCID Annex Lagos leadership team for the fruitful engagement, expressing confidence that the strengthened collaboration would further enhance justice delivery in Lagos State.
The visit was concluded with the exchange of commemorative plaque between the Assistant Inspector-General of Police and the Honourable Attorney-General as a symbol of the enduring partnership and shared commitment of both institutions to promoting justice, security, and the rule of law.
E-SIGNED
ASP Mayegun Aminat, ANIPR, MNISMA
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Assistant Inspector-General of Police
FCID Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos
