Ondo Attorney General Hails Chief Judge's Practice Direction on Criminal Justice Administration


The Office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ondo State has expressed its wholehearted support for Practice Direction No. 1, Vol 1 of 2024 issued by the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Honourable Justice Aiyedun Olusegun Odusola.

This directive mandates that all criminal cases be initiated, tried, and concluded within the court division or district where the offense occurred. Additionally, all pending criminal trials yet to reach the defense stage must be transferred back to the relevant division or district for a fresh start. The new direction also revokes any prior instructions contradicting these guidelines.

This decision comes after a thorough review of a judgment delivered on March 14, 2023, in Suit No: HOW/66/2022 (ALHAJI RASHEED OLANREWAJU KAZEEM V. THE HONOURABLE CHIEF JUDGE OF ONDO STATE & OTHERS) by Honourable Justice Ademola Enikuomehin of the Ondo State High Court, Owo Judicial Division. The judgment and Practice Direction No. 1, Vol 1 of 2024 are aligned with Sections 86 and 87 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ondo State, 2015, and Section 35 of the High Court Law of Ondo State, 2006.
The Ondo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, prioritizes adherence to court orders and the law.

This commitment is reflected in the eight-point reform agenda implemented by the Office of the Attorney-General, emphasizing obedience to legal directives. The government wholeheartedly supports Practice Direction No. 1, Vol 1 of 2024.


The Attorney-General's office commends the Ondo State High Court's judgment and the Chief Judge's directives. They pledge continued collaboration and partnership between the Ondo State Judiciary and the executive arm of government.
This new approach is expected to:

Restore balance: Criminal jurisdiction will be evenly distributed across all judicial divisions and magisterial districts, fostering legal development for both legal practitioners and judges throughout the state.

Reduce risks: Transportation risks for defendants awaiting trial and witnesses will be minimized.

Lower costs: The financial burden on the state's correctional facilities for transporting defendants and providing security will be lessened.

Optimize spending: The Ondo State Judiciary's witness transportation expenses can be managed more effectively.

The Office of the Attorney-General assures Ondo State citizens that the Ministry of Justice will continue to fulfill its prosecution duties in all criminal courts across the state.

The government is committed to facilitating the swift infrastructural development of court facilities throughout the state.