LASG OFFERS FREE LEGAL SERVICES IN BADAGRY

The Lagos State Government, through the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), has extended its free legal services awareness campaign to Badagry Town and its environs as part of efforts to sensitize and enlighten the residents in the community to avail themselves of the services provided by the Office.

Speaking during the campaign tour, the Director of OPD, Mrs. Olubunkola Salami said the aim of the tour is to inform to the community about the recent opening of an office in Badagry for necessary consultation and free legal services to all residents in the area.

According to her, “The reason for our presence in your midst is to sensitize and enlighten you on how you can have access to justice and free legal aid through our newly opened office in Badagry when your rights are being violated”.

She reiterated the desire of the Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration to provide free legal service to all Lagosians in every community across the State irrespective of gender, faith and social status, adding that priority will be given to the poor, vulnerable and groups like children and women.

Mrs. Salalmi maintained that the core function of OPD was to render legal services in civil and criminal cases to indigent and vulnerable Lagosians, especially on family issues, child’s custody, domestic violence, sexual abuse, landlord and tenant cases.

Others include recovery of debts, employer and employee disagreement, bail and unlawful detention by the Police as well as other human rights related cases.

The Director also averred that the Office can also make provision for the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), in resolving cases of those with grievances but are not willing to use the open court for settlements.

She commended the Badagry Central Local Government Area for supporting the OPD with the provision of a temporary office space at the Town Hall to carry out its mandate in the area as well as give succour to residents who are in dire need of legal assistance.