Sureties appeal to Lagos Chief Judge Alogba over court access restrictions

By Paul Iyoghojie

Aggrieved sureties who render services to defendants granted bail at the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos Island, and other courts in Lagos have appealed to the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, to intervene in lifting restrictions that have barred them from accessing the court for the past month.

The sureties, who assist defendants in perfecting bail conditions and securing release from correctional facilities, said the restrictions have hindered their ability to help indigent defendants whose families live outside Lagos. They noted that their services have been vital in connecting defendants with credible sureties, thereby preventing prolonged detention.

According to them, they have consistently discharged their duties responsibly for years without complaints from families, defendants, or the courts. They expressed concern that the sudden directive preventing their access to the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court has left many poor defendants stranded at correctional facilities, particularly Ikoyi, despite being granted bail.

The sureties stressed that their work has helped decongest correctional facilities by ensuring defendants continue their trials without absconding. They argued that none of the defendants they assisted had jumped bail, making the restrictions unjustified.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Olusegun Philips said:
“We are law-abiding citizens rendering critical humanitarian services to defendants granted bail but remanded at correctional facilities pending the perfection of their bail conditions. We appeal to the Lagos Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, to come to our rescue and direct the head of the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court to lift the restrictions imposed on us. This will prevent poor defendants from languishing in detention and preserve the good image of the judiciary under Justice Alogba’s leadership.”