Ogun CJ deploys magistrates to clear 201 cases, decongest prisons

The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has deployed a special magistrates’ panel to preside over 201 cases in a 14-day accelerated hearing as part of the state judiciary’s intervention week.

The intervention week has been scheduled to carry out a comprehensive decongestion exercise at the Sagamu Correctional Centre between Monday, November 24, 2025, and Friday, December 5, 2025.

This was contained in a statement by the Chief Registrar, High Court of Ogun State, Olakulehin Oke, on Thursday.

Oke disclosed that eight magistrates will preside over 201 cases drawn from Magistrates’ Courts at Sagamu, Mowe, Ojodu Abiodun and Isara Magisterial Districts.

According to the statement, the intervention week will focus on accelerated hearings, review of eligible cases, and consideration of matters suitable for non-custodial measures in accordance with relevant laws.

“This initiative forms part of the Honourable Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice M. A. Dipeolu, FICMC, FHNR continued efforts to enhance the administration of criminal justice, promote human rights, and ensure the efficient management of custodial facilities across the State,” Oke said in the statement.

The Chief Registrar said all the cases will be heard within the Sagamu Magisterial District over the two-week period, adding that the list of affected cases had been disseminated across the concerned Magisterial Districts.

“The exercise will be undertaken by the designated magistrates in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Bar Association, security agencies, and other critical partners in the justice sector.

“All procedures will strictly adhere to legal standards and safeguard the rights of all persons concerned, most especially those in custody,” he said.

He assured the public that the Judiciary Intervention Week is “aimed at strengthening justice delivery, reducing unnecessary delays, and addressing congestion challenges without compromising public safety or legal due process.”

He added, “The Ogun State Judiciary appreciates the cooperation of all stakeholders and encourages the public to support this important justice-sector initiative.”

In September, Justice Dipeolu said that more than 8,000 defendants have been granted bail and released under the Ogun Bondsmen Scheme since its inception five years ago.

She noted that the scheme has played a pivotal role in curbing congestion in the state’s correctional facilities, while cleansing a bail system long plagued by corruption and inefficiency.