LAGOS JUDICIARY DENIES BLOCKING SURETIES, SAYS MEASURES AIM TO CURB COURTROOM ABUSE AND TOUTING

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

The Lagos State Judiciary has dismissed claims that genuine sureties were denied access to the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, explaining that recent measures were introduced to curb the activities of unlicensed individuals and protect the integrity of the justice system.

Chief Registrar, Mr. Tajudeen Elias, said access to all court premises in the state is regulated in line with administrative directives aimed at ensuring order, security, and the proper conduct of judicial proceedings.

The response followed a publication by P.M. Express dated May 18, 2026, titled “Sureties Cry Out to CJ Alogba Over Ban from Accessing Igbosere Magistrate’s Court,” which the judiciary said gave a misleading impression about access to court facilities and the treatment of sureties in criminal cases.

Elias reiterated that only litigants, lawyers, witnesses, and persons with legitimate business before the court are permitted entry, stressing that unrestricted access could disrupt court operations.

He explained that those referenced in the report were not licensed bail bond agents and were not registered with any recognised statutory body under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State.

According to him, court officials had observed increasing activities of unregistered individuals loitering around court premises, soliciting defendants and offering surety services in exchange for money.

He said such actions had contributed to congestion, touting, harassment of litigants, and interference with court proceedings, describing them as a threat to the integrity of the bail process.

The judiciary maintained that the restrictions were not meant to deny access to justice, but to prevent abuse of the system and maintain order within court premises.

It further clarified that defendants granted bail are not being obstructed from meeting their bail conditions, noting that they may still present relatives, verified community members, or other qualified persons as sureties in line with legal requirements.

Elias reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to justice delivery, stressing that no defendant should be unlawfully detained due to inability to perfect bail conditions.

However, he insisted that all bail procedures must comply strictly with the law and uphold the security, dignity, and decorum of the courts.

The judiciary urged the public to disregard claims of arbitrary denial of access, stating that the reforms at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court are aimed at sanitising the system and strengthening judicial integrity.

It also advised anyone seeking clarification to contact the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary.