The Lagos State Judiciary has dismissed allegations that genuine sureties were barred from accessing the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, saying measures introduced at the court were aimed at curbing the activities of unlicensed individuals and preserving the integrity of the judicial process.

The Chief Registrar (CR), Mr Tajudeen Elias, said the entry into court premises across Lagos State is regulated in line with administrative directives designed to maintain order, security, and the integrity of judicial proceedings.

The reaction followed a publication by P.M. Express dated May 18, 2026, titled “Sureties Cry Out to CJ Alogba Over Ban from Accessing Igbosere Magistrate’s Court.”

The judiciary said the report created a misleading impression regarding access to court premises and the treatment of persons standing as sureties in criminal matters.

He noted that entry into court premises across Lagos State is regulated in line with administrative directives designed to maintain order, security, and the integrity of judicial proceedings.

The CR further explained that access to the court is limited to litigants, legal practitioners, witnesses, and persons with legitimate business before the court, stressing that court premises cannot be left open-ended without regulation.

The judiciary further stated that the individuals referenced in the publication were not licensed bail bond agents and were not registered with any statutory body recognised under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State.

According to him, authorities at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court had observed a growing trend of unregistered persons loitering within court premises, soliciting defendants and presenting themselves as sureties in exchange for money.

“The activities of such individuals had led to congestion, touting, harassment of litigants, and interference with the smooth conduct of court proceedings.

“The conduct of these individuals amounts to a nuisance within the court premises and undermines public confidence in the bail process,” the judiciary stated.

He therefore maintained that the restrictions introduced were not intended to deny access to justice, but rather to preserve order and prevent abuse of the bail system.

The judiciary also clarified that defendants granted bail were not being prevented from fulfilling their bail conditions.

He said defendants could still present relatives, verified community members or other qualified persons who meet the legal requirements set by the court to stand as sureties.

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

The CR however, reaffirmed judiciary’s commitment to justice delivery, stated that it remains determined to ensure that no defendant is unnecessarily detained because of an inability to perfect bail conditions.

However, he said that all bail processes must be conducted within the framework of the law and without compromising the security, dignity, and decorum of court premises.

The judiciary, therefore, urged members of the public to disregard suggestions that access to the court was being arbitrarily denied, insisting that the measures at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court were solely aimed at sanitising the system and protecting the integrity of judicial proceedings.

It advised members of the public seeking clarification.