The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has approved the deployment of a special panel of magistrates to preside over 201 cases in a 14-day accelerated hearing aimed at decongesting custodial facilities in the state.
The initiative, known as the Judiciary Intervention Week, will run from Monday, 24 November to Friday, 5 December 2025, and will focus on a comprehensive case review at the Sagamu Correctional Centre. The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Ogun State High Court, Olakulehin Oke.
According to Oke, eight magistrates have been assigned to handle 201 cases originating from the Magistrates’ Courts across the Magisterial Districts of Sagamu, Mowe, Ojodu Abiodun, and Isara. The intervention week, he said, will prioritise swift hearings, assessment of cases eligible for discharge or bail, and the possible application of non-custodial sentencing options in line with existing criminal justice laws.
“This initiative forms part of the Honourable Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice M. A. Dipeolu, FICMC, FHNR’s continued efforts to enhance the administration of criminal justice, promote human rights, and ensure the efficient management of custodial facilities across the state,” the statement read.
Oke added that all cases will be heard within the Sagamu Magisterial District over the two weeks, and that the list of affected cases has been circulated across the relevant districts to ensure transparency and preparedness ahead of the exercise.
He explained that the intervention will be carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Bar Association, security agencies, and other justice-sector stakeholders. All procedures, he assured, will strictly adhere to legal standards designed to protect the rights of defendants, particularly those currently in custody.
The judiciary, Oke emphasised, is committed to strengthening justice delivery, reducing unnecessary delays, and tackling correctional congestion without compromising due process or public safety. He also commended stakeholders for their continued cooperation and urged members of the public to support the initiative.
The intervention week is part of broader reforms pursued under Justice Dipeolu’s leadership. In September, the Chief Judge revealed that more than 8,000 defendants have been granted bail and released under the Ogun Bondsmen Scheme since its introduction five years ago. The scheme, she noted, has helped to ease congestion in correctional centres while addressing loopholes and corruption within the bail administration process.
