On Wednesday 30th of March, 2022, the Commissioner of Police, Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Lagos, CP Anyasinti Josephine Nneka paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge, Lagos State Judiciary; Hon. Justice KazeemOlanrewajuAlogba in Ikeja.

The CP – PSFU was warmly received by the Chief Judge together with members of his Management team.

CP Anyasinti Josephine in her remark thanked the Chief Judge for creating time for the event despite his busy schedule. The CP equally expressed her appreciation to the Chief Judge on the cooperation the Unit receives from the various Courts within Lagos State Judiciary in respect of applications for Court Orders relevant to investigation of cases of fraud reported to the Unit.

She acknowledged, with gratitude, the application of the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2005; by the Lagos State Judiciary in respect of Interim/Final forfeiture of properties which are identified and/or proved to be proceeds of fraud. This makes restitution possible in order to ameliorate the sufferings of the victim of such fraud.

In the same vein, the CP – PSFU pleaded for the designation of a Court to amongst other things, attend to applications filed by the Unit so as to expedite action on such applications.

Lastly, the CP – PSFU assured the Chief Judge that the Unit will always partner with the Lagos State Judiciary towards ensuring that the prevalence of fraudrelated cases are brought to the barest minimum in Lagos State through fair and diligent prosecution.

The Chief Judge, Hon. Justice KazeemOlanrewajuAlogba; in his response, welcomed the CP, PSFU and her entourage to Ikeja Judicial Division and alluded to the fact that Law Enforcement Agencies and the Judiciary are partners in addressing criminality in the society so that justice is served and seen to be served.

The Chief Judge also commented on the fact that the PSFU has been coming to Court with competent Lawyers/Prosecutors who make the job of the Court less difficult. He advised that the present crop of competent Lawyers being paraded by the Legal Section of the Unit should groom others so as to ensure continuity and position them to take over at the appropriate time.

On the CP’s request for a dedicated Court to attend to PSFU’s applications, the Chief Judge replied that all criminal matters are generally deemed as “urgent” and are treated as such by the Administrative Judge. Expeditious Hearing is always given to such cases. He stated that lack of compliance with Due Process during filings is what normally hinders proceedings. Every application must come through a legitimate process and a prima facie proof must be presented before the Court.

He further stated that restitution is part of sentencing but Due Process must be followed and the prosecution must lay before the Court, a comprehensive ground for such restitution.

In conclusion, the Chief Judge appreciated the commitment and sacrifice of personnel of the Unit and he promised the CP-PSFU of his fullest cooperation.

E-SIGNED

SP EYITAYO JOHNSON
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
POLICE SPECIAL FRAUD UNIT
IKOYI-LAGOS.