All Ministers For Justice And Attorney General Of The Federation In Nigeria (1960-Present)
The Federal Ministry of Justice in Nigeria is the government’s legal department. It was formed in 1960 to handle legal matters for the federal government.
However, the ministry’s responsibilities include giving legal advice, representing the government in court, enforcing laws, and overseeing public prosecutions.
It also works on law reporting, drafting new laws, and protecting citizens’ rights. The ministry is led by the Attorney General of the Federation, chosen by the President of Nigeria.
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Ministers Of Justice And Attorneys General Of The Federation
Name | Term |
---|---|
Taslim Elias, CFR, GCON | 1960–1966 |
G.I.M Onyiuke, SAN | 1 March 1966 – 29 July 1966 |
Nabo Graham-Douglas | 1966–1972 |
Dan Onuorah Ibekwe | 1972–1975 |
Augustine Nnamani, CON | 1975–1979 |
Richard Akinjide, SAN | 1979–1983 |
Kehinde Sofola, SAN | October 1983–December 1983 |
Chike Ofodile, SAN | 1984–August 1985 |
Bola Ajibola, SAN | 12 September 1985–4 December 1991 |
Clement Akpamgbo, SAN | 1991–1993 |
Olu Onagoruwa | 1993–1994 |
Michael Ashikodi Agbamuche, SAN | 1994–1997 |
Achiji Abdullahi Ibrahim, OFR, SAN | 1997–May 1999 |
Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN | June 1999–January 2000 |
Bola Ige, SAN | 3 January 2000–23 December 2001 |
Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN | 2002–2003 |
Akin Olujimi, SAN | July 2003–July 2005 |
Bayo Ojo, SAN, FCI ARB, (UK) | July 2005–July 2007 |
Michael Aondoakaa, SAN | 26 July 2007–10 February 2010 |
Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN | 10 February 2010–17 March 2010 |
Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, CFR | 6 April 2010–29 May 2011 |
Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, CFR | 2 July 2011–May 2015 |
Abubakar Malami, SAN | 11 November 2015–29 May 2023 |
Lateef Fagbemi, SAN | 21 August 2023–present |
Who Was The First Minister Of Justice And Attorney General Of The Federation?
The first Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation of Nigeria was Taslim Elias, who held this position from 1960 to 1966.
His appointment was the beginning of the Federal Ministry of Justice in Nigeria. This ministry was set up to offer legal advice to the government and to manage the justice system in Nigeria.
Taslim Elias was born on February 22, 1914, in Ijebu-Ode, which is in Ogun State, Nigeria. He went to the University of London, where he studied law and earned his degree.
However, Elias began his legal career as a barrister after being called to the bar in England. When he returned to Nigeria, he became famous in the legal field.
But before he became the Attorney General, he served as a judge in the Supreme Court of Nigeria. In 1960, when Nigeria gained independence, Elias was appointed as the first Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
During his time in office, he was instrumental in developing the legal system for the new country. He helped draft important laws and policies that would help Nigeria’s legal framework. Taslim Elias is remembered for his strong commitment to justice and the rule of law.
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Who Is The Minister Of Justice And Attorney General Of The Federation?
Lateef Fagbemi is the current Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation of Nigeria, having taken over from Abubakar Malami, who was in the position for almost eight years.
Lateef Fagbemi is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a title similar to a Queen’s Counsel in other countries. However, Fagbemi was born on January 1, 1966, in Ilorin, Kwara State.
He studied law at the University of Ilorin. Fagbemi also had a successful career in private legal practice, having gained a reputation for his skills in litigation and giving legal advice.
His new role as Minister of Justice recognizes his legal expertise and dedication to public service. Fagbemi has also worked on major legal cases and served as counsel in high-profile matters.
His experience includes working with government agencies and advising on legal issues, which prepared him well for his current position.
As Attorney General, Fagbemi plans to make the Ministry of Justice more effective. He wants to improve legal aid services and tackle corruption and human rights issues. His objective is to make sure the legal system serves all Nigerians fairly.