As preparations intensify for the 2026 legal year across Nigeria’s judiciary, a non-governmental organisation, Zarephath Aid (ZA), has called for urgent reforms in the administration of criminal justice, with particular focus on the mobile court in Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos State.

Founder of the organisation, Ben Abraham, made the call against the backdrop of the yearly legal year ceremonies, which traditionally feature reviews of judicial performance and projections for the months ahead.

He noted that while such ceremonies are significant within legal circles, their impact remains distant for many Nigerians who encounter the justice system at its most basic levels.

According to Abraham, the operations of the Oshodi mobile court raise critical concerns about access to justice and adherence to due process.

He observed that the court handles a steady stream of cases involving minor infractions, with defendants often brought in by enforcement agencies including the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) brigade, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

He stated that proceedings at the court are frequently concluded within a short time, with defendants entering guilty pleas and receiving sentences that include fines or custodial options.

Abraham, however, expressed concern that many of those processed through the court lack legal representation and may not fully understand the legal implications of their pleas.

“The reality for many citizens is that justice is not defined by ceremonies or speeches but by their direct interaction with the system,” he said, adding that experiences at the mobile court have contributed to declining public confidence in the justice sector.

The Zarephath Aid founder referenced a recent judgment of the Lagos State High Court delivered on April 14, 2026, by the Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, which found the state liable for the unlawful arrest of a motorist and the impoundment of his vehicle by the Task Force.

The court awarded damages of N7 million, underscoring the need for enforcement actions to comply strictly with the law.

Abraham urged the Lagos State Judiciary to use the new legal year as an opportunity to introduce targeted reforms, particularly at the Oshodi mobile court.

He recommended the constitution of a committee to review operational procedures, including the treatment of defendants and compliance with established legal standards.

He also called for the issuance of clear practice directions to guide proceedings at mobile courts, as well as strengthened collaboration with legal aid organisations to ensure that indigent defendants have access to representation.

In addition, Abraham advocated a reconsideration of custodial sentences for minor offences, noting concerns about congestion in correctional facilities and the need to align with non-custodial sentencing policies.

“As stakeholders in the justice sector reflect on the new legal year, it is important that reforms are not merely discussed but implemented in ways that are felt by ordinary citizens.”

He added that addressing the issues at the Oshodi mobile court would represent a practical step towards improving the credibility and accessibility of the criminal justice system in Lagos State.