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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, disclosed that over 10,000 vulnerable residents have got justice through the free legal services provided by the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), an arm under the state’s Ministry of Justice.
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He stated this at a five-day workshop organised by OPD in collaboration with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and Jones Day inn Lagos yesterday.
He listed some of the issues including domestic violence, child abuse, and unlawful detention.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Sesan Ogundeko, said: “OPD has set national standards in defending the rights of the underprivileged.
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“The OPD safeguards human rights and ensure access to justice. It has facilitated timely intervention in urgent cases.”
He added that the training aligns with “our mission of providing world class legal aid services. The platform will also facilitate exchange of knowledge and best practices.”
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Ann Claire Williams, a retired judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit noted. “we have been training members of OPD since 2016.
“The essence is to provide evidence to court as speedily and persuasively as possible. That is, how they organise their arguments, how they organise their trials. So it is easier for the judges to listen to the testimonials and make decisions.”
On her part, Director, OPD. Olubunmi Adesomoju said the essence of capacity building cannot be overemphasized. She added that the OPD will continue to engage in more collaborations.
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