RIGHTS GROUP PETITIONS OGUN CHIEF JUDGE, SEEKS BAIL REFORMS TO ADDRESS PRISON CONGESTION

By Mariam Lasisi, Presstv News Nigeria

The Advocates in Defence of Human Rights and Culture (ADHURIC) has called on the Chief Judge of Ogun State to issue a directive ensuring that defendants facing criminal trials are considered for bail, where legally permissible, irrespective of whether they have legal representation.

Presstv News Nigeria learnt that the organisation made the appeal in a formal letter dated June 1, 2026, addressed to the Honourable Chief Judge at the Ogun State Judiciary Headquarters in Olipakala, Abeokuta.

In the letter, signed by its National President, Comrade Olusola Onagunwa, ADHURIC expressed concern over what it described as the persistent overcrowding of correctional facilities and practices that allegedly prevent defendants from accessing bail because they cannot afford or obtain the services of a lawyer.

The group argued that the continued detention of defendants who may be eligible for bail contributes to prison congestion and undermines the fundamental rights of citizens.

Group cites constitutional provisions

ADHURIC referenced Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which guarantees the right to personal liberty, subject to constitutionally recognised exceptions.

According to the organisation, the constitutional guarantee of personal liberty, alongside the presumption of innocence, should guide the treatment of individuals accused of criminal offences.

The group maintained that where an alleged offence is bailable, defendants should be considered for bail in accordance with the law, whether or not they are represented by legal practitioners.

It also argued that the absence of a lawyer should not, by itself, become a barrier to the consideration of bail in cases where the law permits it.

Allegations of exploitation and procedural irregularities

In the petition, ADHURIC alleged that some police officers exploit the bail process by imposing financial demands on suspects and persons seeking release from police custody.

The organisation further alleged that some defendants are hurriedly arraigned in court without lawyers, while others who have legal representatives are sometimes brought before the court without their lawyers’ prior knowledge.

According to the group, such practices, if established, could undermine access to justice, prolong detention and increase the pressure on correctional facilities.

ADHURIC called for greater scrutiny of these alleged practices and urged relevant authorities to take steps to protect the rights of suspects and defendants.

The allegations contained in the petition were not independently verified for this report, and no response from the Nigeria Police Force or the Ogun State Judiciary was included in the documents provided.

Seeks directive on bail consideration

The organisation formally requested that the Chief Judge issue and publicise an appropriate order or directive mandating that persons arraigned for criminal trials be considered for unconditional or conditional bail, where applicable under the law, regardless of whether they have legal representation.

It said the proposed measure should be consistent with Section 35 of the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and relevant international human rights instruments protecting personal liberty.

ADHURIC urged the Chief Judge to give the matter urgent attention, arguing that bringing people before a court should not become a form of punishment before the determination of their cases.

The group also expressed concern that fear of court appearances, alleged police extortion and difficulties in securing bail could discourage members of the public from engaging with the justice system.

Calls for protection of the common man

The organisation maintained that effective enforcement of constitutional safeguards would improve public confidence in the justice system and help reduce avoidable detention.

It argued that ensuring fair consideration of bail applications would protect the rights of defendants while helping to address the broader problem of correctional-facility congestion.

The petition concluded with an appeal for urgent intervention by the Ogun State Chief Judge and a request for feedback from the judicial authority.

As of the information contained in the supplied documents, it was not established whether the Chief Judge had responded to the petition or issued any directive on the matter.