The Lagos State Government has appealed the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court restricting it from issuance of licenses on lotteries and gaming in the state.
The judgment was delivered on 10 April, 2018, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/918/17, Western Lotto Nigeria Ltd & 8 Ors Vs Attorney General & Ors.
Western Lotto had filed an originating summons before the Federal High Court challenging the power of Lagos State Lotteries Board to issue licenses on Lotteries and other gaming activities within the territory of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Lotteries Board, dissatisfied with the judgment has appealed against it.
General Manager/Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Lagos State Lotteries Board, Mr. Seun Anibaba, said the judgment delivered by Justice M.B. Idris, in the matter of Western Lotto Nigeria Limited & Ors V Attorney General of Lagos State & 8 Ors, was now before the Court of Appeal in suit No: CA/L/809/18: Attorney General Lagos State & Ors Vs Western Lotto Nigeria Limited & Ors.
He stated further that Section 251(1) of the 1999 Constitution vested exclusive jurisdiction on the Federal High Court on only 18 major items relating to civil causes and other matters, which he said did not include gaming, casino and lottery.
The GM Lotteries Board said the implication is that the Federal High Court is a court of enumerated jurisdiction, whose jurisdiction is not only limited by Statute but whose jurisdiction is delineated in relation only to the subject matters enumerated therein.
He said the Lagos State Lotteries Board is an agency of government set up to promote, protect and regulate lotteries and other gaming activities in Lagos State.
Anibaba further encouraged all registered/licensed operators in the State and the general public to continue their business operations as usual and urged recalcitrant operators to abide with the gaming laws that operated in Lagos State.