The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has assigned a special panel of magistrates to handle 201 cases within a 14-day accelerated hearing, as part of the Ogun State Judiciary’s Intervention Week.
The exercise, scheduled for November 24 to December 5, 2025, will focus on decongesting the Sagamu Correctional Centre.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Registrar of the High Court of Ogun State, Olakulehin Oke, eight magistrates will preside over cases drawn from Sagamu, Mowe, Ojodu Abiodun and Isara Magisterial Districts.
The intervention will prioritise speedy hearings, review of eligible cases, and consideration of matters suitable for non-custodial measures in line with relevant laws.
Oke noted that the initiative is part of Justice Dipeolu’s continuous efforts to strengthen criminal justice administration, protect human rights, and ensure efficient management of custodial facilities across the state.
All hearings will take place within the Sagamu Magisterial District, and affected case lists have been distributed to the relevant courts.
He added that the exercise will be carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Bar Association, other security agencies, and key justice-sector partners. All proceedings, he assured, will follow due process and uphold the rights of persons in custody.
The Judiciary Intervention Week aims to improve justice delivery, reduce unnecessary delays, and address overcrowding in correctional facilities without compromising public safety.
Oke also expressed appreciation to stakeholders and urged the public to support the exercise.
In September, Justice Dipeolu disclosed that over 8,000 defendants have been granted bail and released through the Ogun Bondsmen Scheme since it began five years ago—an initiative she said has reduced congestion and tackled corruption in the bail system.
