A total sum of twenty-three million, three hundred and seventy-seven thousand, two hundred and seventy-three naira, eighteen Kobo was received as compensation on behalf of clients by Lagos State Office of the Public Defender in January.

In addition, in the same month a total number of one hundred and fifty-two petitions from the public seeking free legal advice, representation in court, mediation and interventions on matters bordering on the statutory responsibility of the Office.

According to the Office of the Public Defender, eighty-three petitions were successfully concluded using the mechanism of Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Its Director, Doctor Babajide Martins said this is in furtherance of the agencys avowed responsibility to provide free quality legal services to the indigent and vulnerable residents of the state.

In the same vein, the office received new 321 cases on criminal matters and 107 civil cases from members of the public. And in totality for the month, the Office Handled 799 court cases out of which 26 cases were struck out, 3 withdrawn by client and 22 cases concluded by trials with court delivering judgement in 7 cases in matters affecting OPD clients.

Furthermore, the Office handled 19 domestic violence issues, 15 matters on children in conflicts with the law. OPD also successfully intervened in 4 matters between members of the Public and the Nigerian Police, just as 22 cases, that were not within the statutory responsibility of the OPD were referred to the appropriate agencies of the government for further necessary action and 15 children were placed in the custody of the Office Of the Public Defender.

The Office Of the Public Defender hereby urged members of the Public especially women, children, vulnerable members of the society, those that suffered rights violations and unlawful termination of appointment and denial of entitlement to come forward as the office is still operating despite Covid-19 Pandemic, observing the health protocol.