The Lagos State Judiciary has dismissed allegations that genuine sureties were being denied access to the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, clarifying that recent measures introduced at the court were aimed at curbing the activities of unlicensed individuals and safeguarding the integrity of judicial proceeding.
The Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary, Mr. Tajudeen Elias, made the clarification in response to a report published by P.M. Express on May 18, 2026, titled “Sureties Cry Out to CJ Alogba Over Ban from Accessing Igbosere Magistrate’s Court.”
According to Elias, the publication created what he described as a misleading impression regarding access to court premises and the treatment of persons acting as sureties in criminal matters.
He explained that access to court premises across Lagos State is regulated in line with administrative directives intended to maintain order, security and the integrity of judicial proceedings.
The Chief Registrar stated that entry into court premises is restricted to litigants, legal practitioners, witnesses and individuals with legitimate business before the court, stressing that court facilities cannot remain open-ended without proper regulation.
Elias further noted that the individuals referenced in the publication were neither licensed bail bond agents nor registered with any statutory body recognised under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State.
He disclosed that authorities at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court had observed an increasing presence of unregistered persons loitering within court premises, soliciting defendants and presenting themselves as sureties in exchange for money.
According to the judiciary, the activities of such individuals had contributed to congestion, touting, harassment of litigants and disruptions to the smooth conduct of court proceedings.
“The conduct of these individuals amounts to a nuisance within the court premises and undermines public confidence in the bail process,” the statement said.
The judiciary maintained that the restrictions were not introduced to deny access to justice but to preserve order and prevent abuse of the bail system.
It also clarified that defendants granted bail were still permitted to meet their bail conditions by presenting relatives, verified community members or other qualified persons who satisfy the legal requirements of the court.
“The court remains open to all legitimate sureties who comply with due process,” Elias stated.
Reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to justice delivery, the Chief Registrar said efforts were ongoing to ensure that no defendant is unnecessarily detained due to difficulties in perfecting bail conditions.
He, however, stressed that all bail procedures must be conducted within the framework of the law and in a manner that preserves the security, dignity and decorum of court premises.
The Lagos State Judiciary urged members of the public to disregard claims that access to the court was being arbitrarily denied, insisting that the measures at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court were solely intended to sanitise the system and protect the integrity of judicial proceedings.
The judiciary also advised members of the public seeking clarification on the issue to contact the Office of the Chief Registrar of the state’s Judiciary.
