Lagos assembly passes amotekun law

A significant development in Nigeria!

On April 22, 2021, the Lagos State House of Assembly passed the Lagos State Amotekun Corps Law, 2021. Amotekun is a Yoruba word that means "leopard" and is a regional security outfit established by the South-West governors to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other security challenges in the region.

The law, which was signed by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, provides for the establishment, powers, and functions of the Lagos State Amotekun Corps. The law also provides for the appointment of a Commander and other officers of the corps, as well as the powers of arrest and detention.

The passage of the law is seen as a significant step towards enhancing security in Lagos State and the South-West region as a whole. The Amotekun Corps is expected to work closely with other security agencies, such as the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to combat security challenges in the region.

The law has been widely welcomed by residents of Lagos State and the South-West region, who have been calling for a more effective response to the growing security challenges in the region. The passage of the law is also seen as a demonstration of the commitment of the Lagos State government to the security and well-being of its citizens.

It's worth noting that the passage of the law has also been seen as a significant development in the relationship between the South-West governors and the Federal Government, which had initially raised concerns about the legality of the Amotekun Corps. The passage of the law is seen as a way of addressing these concerns and demonstrating the commitment of the South-West governors to working with the Federal Government to address security challenges in the region.