Igbosere Court Restrictions Target Touts, Not Genuine Sureties

Igbosere Court Restrictions Target Touts, Not Genuine Sureties – Lagos Judiciary
Says Court Restrictions Aim to Curb Illegal Bail Activities
Urged members of the public to ignore claims that access to the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court was being arbitrarily denied

The Lagos State Judiciary has dismissed claims that genuine sureties are being denied access to the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, explaining that the measures introduced at the court are aimed at tackling the activities of unregistered individuals and protecting the integrity of judicial proceedings.

Contents

EDITOR’S PICK
FURTHER READING

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary, Mr. Tajudeen Elias, said access to court premises across the state is guided by administrative directives put in place to maintain order, security, and proper conduct within the courts.

EDITOR’S PICK

The clarification followed 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 the judiciary, the publication created a false impression that legitimate sureties were being unfairly prevented from entering the court premises.

Elias explained that access to the court is restricted to litigants, lawyers, witnesses, and individuals with genuine business before the court. He stressed that court premises cannot operate without proper regulation.

The judiciary also stated that the individuals mentioned in the report were neither licensed bail bond agents nor registered with any statutory body recognised under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State.

According to the Chief Registrar, authorities at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court had observed an increase in the number of unregistered persons loitering around the court premises, approaching defendants, and offering to stand as sureties in exchange for money.

The judiciary noted that the activities of such individuals had resulted in congestion, touting, harassment of litigants, and disruption of court proceedings.

“The conduct of these individuals constitutes 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 anyone access to justice but to restore order and prevent abuse of the bail system.

It further clarified that defendants granted bail are still allowed to present relatives, verified community members, or other qualified individuals who meet the court’s legal requirements as sureties.

“The court remains open to all legitimate sureties who comply with due process,” Elias stated.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice delivery, the judiciary said it remains determined to ensure that no defendant is unnecessarily detained because of difficulties in meeting bail conditions.

However, it stressed that all bail procedures must be carried out within the confines of the law while preserving the security, dignity, and decorum of court premises.

The judiciary also urged members of the public to ignore claims that access to the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court was being arbitrarily denied, insisting that the measures were solely introduced to sanitize the system and protect the integrity of judicial proceedings.