The Ogun State Judiciary has unveiled an ambitious plan to address overcrowding at the Sagamu Correctional Centre through a comprehensive intervention program scheduled for late November 2025.
Two-Week Justice Intervention Initiative
According to an official statement released by Mr. Olakulehin Oke, the Chief Registrar of the High Court of Ogun State in Abeokuta, the special intervention week will run from Monday, November 24, 2025, to Friday, December 5, 2025. This initiative represents a significant step in Governor Dapo Abiodun's administration's broader efforts to enhance criminal justice delivery and protect human rights across the state.
The program will focus on multiple approaches to reduce prison congestion, including accelerated hearings, review of eligible cases, and consideration of non-custodial measures where appropriate under existing laws.
Comprehensive Case Management Strategy
To ensure the effectiveness of this decongestion exercise, the judiciary has deployed eight magistrates who will preside over 201 selected cases originating from Magistrates Courts across four districts: Sagamu, Mowe, Ojodu Abiodun, and Isara Magisterial Districts.
All cases will be heard within the Sagamu Magisterial District throughout the two-week period, providing concentrated legal attention to backlogged matters. The judiciary has confirmed that lists of affected cases have already been distributed across the concerned magisterial districts to ensure all stakeholders are properly informed.
The intervention will be conducted through collaboration between the designated magistrates and multiple justice sector partners, including the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Bar Association, and other security agencies.
Commitment to Legal Standards and Human Rights
In his statement, Mr. Oke emphasized that all procedures will strictly adhere to established legal standards while safeguarding the rights of all persons involved, particularly those currently in custody. The judiciary has called for public support of this crucial justice sector initiative, highlighting its potential to strengthen justice delivery mechanisms across Ogun State.
The Intervention Week aims to achieve multiple objectives: reducing unnecessary delays in the justice system, addressing chronic congestion challenges at correctional facilities, and streamlining operations without compromising public safety or due legal process.
This development follows Governor Dapo Abiodun's recent swearing-in of three new judges to the Ogun State judiciary, signaling continued commitment to judicial reforms and improved justice administration throughout the state.
