Center for Human Rights Proclamation

When you see cases such as;

1. Commission of Police (COP) vs. Ada
It means that the Nigerian Police is prosecuting the accused through the office of the Commissioner, usually in minor criminal offenses such as; Assault, Stealing, Traffic Violations, Breach of public peace, etc

E.g: Commissioner of Police v. Gbadamosi (2021)
Suspect was arrested for stealing a mobile phone and charged in a Magistrate Court by the Commissioner of Police, of theft, which is a minor crime.

2. Ada vs. The State
Means the State is prosecuting through the Ministry of Justice (AG's office) and in serious criminal cases such as Murder, Armed robbery, kidnapping, r**e, etc

E.g: The State v. Evans (2017) where a notorious kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (Evans) was charged by Lagos State Government for kidnapping and conspiracy in the Lagos State High Court because kidnapping is a serious crime under state law.

3. Ada vs Attorney-General of the State
Means that a person or a registered company sued the State Govt over a legal dispute and usually in matters involving human rights violation, land disputes with state Government, illegal demolition, constitutional matters, etc.

E.g: Femi Falana v. Attorney General of Lagos State (2007)
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana sued the Attorney General of Lagos State, arguing that a ban on public protests was unconstitutional, at the Federal High Court, as it involved a fundamental human rights issue.

4. Ada v. Attorney-General of the Federation, The federal government is prosecuting an accused through the office of AG of the federation usually in cases involving drugs trafficking, financial crimes such as money laundering, treason, terrorism, etc.

E.g: Attorney General of the Federation v. Diezani Alison-Madueke (2019)
Former Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke was charged with money laundering and corruption by the Federal Government (AGF).
Court: Federal High Court because its a federal financial crime.

So, if you see "Vs. Attorney General of