The Federal Ministry of Justice is the Nigerian government’s legal department. They ensure that laws are followed and everyone has a fair chance in court. Also, they help the government with legal advice and represent Nigeria in international legal matters.
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List Of Attorney General Of The Federation And Minister Of Justice In Nigeria
No | Name | Term Start | Term End |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Taslim Elias | 1960 | 1966 |
2 | G.I.M Onyiuke | 1966 | 1966 |
3 | Nabo Graham-Douglas | 1966 | 1972 |
4 | Dan Onuorah Ibekwe | 1972 | 1975 |
5 | Augustine Nnamani | 1975 | 1979 |
6 | Richard Akinjide | 1979 | 1983 |
7 | Kehinde Sofola | 1983 | 1983 |
8 | Chike Ofodile | 1984 | 1985 |
9 | Bola Ajibola | 1985 | 1991 |
10 | Clement Akpamgbo | 1991 | 1993 |
11 | Olu Onagoruwa | 1993 | 1994 |
12 | Michael Ashikodi Agbamuche | 1994 | 1997 |
13 | Achiji Abdullahi Ibrahim | 1997 | 1999 |
14 | Kanu Godwin Agabi | 1999 | 2000 |
15 | Bola Ige | 2000 | 2002 |
16 | Kanu Godwin Agabi | 2002 | 2003 |
17 | Akin Olujimi | 2003 | 2005 |
18 | Bayo Ojo | 2005 | 2007 |
19 | Michael Aondoakaa | 2007 | 2010 |
20 | Adetokunbo Kayode | 2010 | 2010 |
21 | Mohammed Bello Adoke | 2010 | 2011 |
22 | Mohammed Bello Adoke | 2011 | 2015 |
23 | Abubakar Malami | 2015 | 2023 |
24 | Lateef Fagbemi | 2023 | Present |
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Who Is The Longest-Serving Attorney General Of The Federal Government And Minister Of Justice In Nigeria?
The longest-serving Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in Nigeria is Abubakar Malami, serving from November 11, 2015, to May 29, 2023, under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Born on April 17, 1967, in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Malami started his career as a legal practitioner after obtaining a law degree from Usmanu Danfodiyo University in 1991.
He was called to the bar in 1992 and later earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Maiduguri. Malami’s tenure was seen by different high-profile cases and legal reforms.
Notably, he played a big part in the repatriation of over $300 million in stolen Nigerian funds held overseas, particularly in the case of funds looted by former military head of state, Sani Abacha.
These funds were directed towards critical infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge.
However, during his time in office, he faced allegations of misconduct, including accusations of corruption, diversion of recovered funds, and interference in major corruption investigations.
Despite these challenges, Malami continued to use significant influence, especially in anti-corruption efforts and overseeing legal reforms in the country. In addition to his legal work, Malami is known for his philanthropy.
He co-founded the Khadimiyya for Justice and Development Initiative (KJDI), which focuses on providing social amenities and justice to underserved communities in Kebbi State. His efforts through KJDI have included poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, and support for flood victims.
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Who Is The New Attorney General Of The Federal Government And Minister Of Justice In Nigeria?
The new Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Nigeria is Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN. He was appointed to the position by President Bola Tinubu on August 21, 2023.
Lateef Fagbemi is a well-known figure in Nigeria’s legal and has made notable contributions to the justice system over the years.
He now leads the Ministry of Justice, guiding the country’s legal framework and overseeing national legal matters. Lateef Fagbemi was born on July 16, 1959, in Ijagbo, Kwara State.
He completed his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree at the University of Jos in 1984 and was called to the Nigerian Bar the following year, in 1985.
His dedication to law and justice led him to further his education, obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1987.
In 1998, he earned the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Before taking on this role, Lateef Fagbemi had a distinguished career as a lawyer and politician.
As the Attorney General, Fagbemi is responsible for advising the government on legal matters, representing the country in court, and providing that laws are properly enforced.