The Lagos State Judiciary has implemented new measures at the Igbosere Magistrate's Court to control the activities of unlicensed individuals and uphold the integrity of the judicial process. The judiciary has also refuted claims that genuine sureties are being denied access to the court.
Chief Registrar Clarifies Access Restrictions
Tajudeen Elias, the Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary, stated that entry into court premises across the state is governed by administrative directives aimed at maintaining order, security, and the integrity of judicial proceedings. He was responding to a publication from May 18, 2026, titled "Sureties Cry Out to CJ Alogba Over Ban from Accessing Igbosere Magistrate's Court," which he said created a misleading impression about court access and the treatment of sureties in criminal matters.
Elias noted that access to court premises in Lagos is limited to litigants, legal practitioners, witnesses, and individuals with legitimate business before the court. He stressed that court facilities cannot remain unregulated. The individuals mentioned in the publication, he explained, were neither licensed bail bond agents nor registered with any statutory body under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State.
Unregistered Individuals Causing Congestion
According to Elias, authorities at the Igbosere Magistrate's Court had observed a growing trend of unregistered individuals loitering within court premises, soliciting defendants, and presenting themselves as sureties in exchange for money. "The activities of such individuals have led to congestion, touting, harassment of litigants, and interference with the smooth conduct of court proceedings. Their conduct amounts to a nuisance within the court premises and undermines public confidence in the bail process," he stated.
Elias maintained that the restrictions are not intended to deny access to justice but to preserve order and prevent abuse of the bail system. He clarified that defendants granted bail are not being prevented from fulfilling their bail conditions. Defendants can still present relatives, verified community members, or other qualified persons who meet legal requirements to stand as sureties.
The Chief Registrar urged the public to disregard suggestions that access to the court is being arbitrarily denied, insisting that the measures are solely aimed at sanitizing the system and protecting the integrity of judicial proceedings. He advised those seeking clarification to contact the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary.
