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Ogun bondsmen scheme frees over 8,000 defendants, reduces prison crowding

Published

2 days ago

September 20, 2025

The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, said on Friday that more than 8,000 defendants have been granted bail and released under the Ogun Bondsmen Scheme since its inception five years ago.

Justice Dipeolu revealed that the scheme has played a pivotal role in curbing congestion in the state’s correctional facilities, while cleansing a bail system long plagued by corruption and inefficiency.

She made the disclosure while officially opening the second edition of the Bondsmen Stakeholders Forum at the Ceremonial Court, Judiciary Complex, Kobape Road, Abeokuta.

“When we last met, we celebrated the release of 2,800 defendants between January 2021 and October 2023. Today, I am delighted to report that between October 2023 and July 2025, this figure has grown exponentially.

“Thanks to the diligent work of our licensed bondsmen, Chrysalis Bail and Bond Limited and Egba Kelisco Bail and Bond Limited, we have now facilitated the release of over 8,000 defendants awaiting trial.

“This is not simply a statistic; it represents over 8,000 individuals whose rights to liberty and presumption of innocence have been preserved, significantly alleviating the immense pressure on our correctional institutions,” she said.

The Chief Judge stressed that the progress made over the years is a testament to the effectiveness of the scheme and a key achievement of her administration’s seven-point agenda.

She also announced the licensing of a new company, Praise and Moremi Bail and Bonds Limited, which brings the total number of licensed bondsmen operating in the state to three.

However, Justice Dipeolu acknowledged challenges such as defendants absconding after being granted bail, noting this has necessitated the introduction of the 2025 Bondsmen Regulations.

She explained that this enhanced regulatory framework is designed to build upon the progress achieved, strengthening and standardising the operation of the scheme.

The Chief Judge urged bondsmen to embrace the judiciary’s digital vision by adopting technology and innovating their processes to align with this digital future.

“Our vision is to integrate the bondsmen system into a centralised digital platform. Imagine a future where bail applications, surety verifications, bondsmen engagements, and court notifications are processed seamlessly through a single portal.

“This will drastically reduce paperwork, minimise human interaction and potential corruption, and provide real-time data for better management across the justice chain.

“In pursuit of this goal, we established a digital database in January 2025 that captures information on all defendants granted bail through bondsmen — an important first step towards digitising the entire bail process,” she added.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Ogun State Bondsmen Licensing Board, Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora, praised the scheme’s contribution to prison decongestion but reported that out of 243 cases of defendants absconding, 212 have been swiftly rearrested due to the robust system in place.

Justice Ogunfowora stated that the scheme has helped eradicate the menace of fake sureties, touts, and corrupt civil servants seeking fees, while also creating employment opportunities, with the two bondsmen companies collectively employing over 80 staff.

He highlighted the launch of a Centralised Bondsmen Database — a digital platform offering real-time data on all defendants released through bondsmen, tracking court dates and appearances seamlessly, and fostering a fraud-proof ecosystem.

The state’s bond administrator, Mr Olakulehin Oke, described innovations in the 2025 Bondsmen Regulations, including increased financial thresholds for licence categories: Category A raised from ₦10 million to ₦20 million and above, Category B from ₦5 million to ₦15 million, and Category C from ₦5 million to ₦10 million.

Oke warned that any bondsman with three clients absconding within six months will have their licence revoked, while others who flout regulations face up to a four-year ban, among additional measures to enhance the scheme’s success.

Prison congestion remains a major challenge to the administration of justice in Nigeria, often exacerbated when individuals who should be free await trial because they cannot meet bail conditions.

Initiatives such as the bondsmen scheme, alongside periodic exercises granting freedom to inmates on compassionate or health grounds by the President, state governors, and Chief Judges, are vital in addressing this issue.

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‘I Will Fire You If You Get Involved In Bribery, Corruption’ – Gov Otti Warns Appointees

Published

7 hours ago

September 21, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has vowed to sack any appointee in his administration who gets involved in bribery and corruption.

This comes two weeks after the Abia State government sacked six officials of the Ministry of Justice for allegedly padding their salaries.

It was reports that Governor Otti, while worshipping at Abayi District of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Aba Conference, said bribery and corruption are not involved in his administration.

He said that his participation in Abia politics was to restore the dignity of the state, in line with the honesty Igbos were known for.

Otti warned his appointees that they would lose their jobs if they indulged in corruption.

He said, “If anybody tells you to bring money for anything, tell him it is a lie. He is a dupe, because he will collect the money from you and still not do anything for you.

“That is why you will never see bribery and corruption in this government. If you get involved, I will fire you.

“We are intolerant of corruption and nobody can plead for you. If you get involved in bribery and corruption, you are gone.”

Governor Otti said that the recent employment of 5,394 teachers in the state was based on merit, without any of the employees paying a dime.

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Ooni Visits Olubadan-designate, Ladoja In Ibadan

Published

7 hours ago

September 21, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has paid a visit to the Olubadan-designate, Rashidi Ladoja.
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It was reports that the paramount rulers met on Sunday at Ladoja’s Bodija private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Oba Ladoja will be installed as the 44th Olubadan on Friday, September 26, 2025, following the demise of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90 years.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu will be in Ibadan on Friday to attend the coronation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The ceremony will take place at the historic Mapo Hall grounds, attracting Yoruba monarchs, state governors, political leaders, business figures, and thousands of Ibadan indigenes at home and abroad.

The coronation is the peak of a weeklong celebration that begins on Monday, September 22.

According to the planning committee, the events will start with an interdenominational service at the Olubadan Palace, followed by a cultural fiesta on Tuesday at Olubadan Stadium.

A lecture will hold on Wednesday at the University of Ibadan, while Thursday will feature a praise and worship concert tied to Oba Ladoja’s 81st birthday.

The grand ceremony comes up on Friday, and a thanksgiving service on Sunday at Oke Padre Cathedral, with a Jumat service on October 3, will close the programme.

Security has been placed at the center of the preparations, with more than 2,000 operatives from the Police, Civil Defence, DSS, Amotekun Corps, and OYRTMA expected to maintain order during the celebrations.

The Oyo State Government also confirmed that the event will be broadcast live on television, radio, and online platforms for Nigerians in the diaspora.

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Nigeria owes you more than many will ever know.- President Tinubu tells his wife, Remi, as she turns 65

Published

10 hours ago

September 21, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

President Tinubu is in a celebratory mood as his wife and first lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu, turns 65.

In a tribute to her, the President described Remi as his confidant, counsellor, and the steady flame illuminating his path.

He celebrated her sacrifice Nigeria and stated that Nigeria ‘owes her more than many will ever know.’ He went on to pray and profess his love for her.

His tribute reads

‘’Oluremi Mi,

As you celebrate your 65th birthday today, I honour not only the love of my life, but also a woman whose quiet strength and enduring grace have been my steadying anchor. Through every season, from the long years of struggle and political exile, to leadership responsibilities, you have stood firmly by my side with dignity, patience, and devotion that words can scarcely express.

You are more than my wife. You are my confidant, counsellor, and the steady flame illuminating my path. In you, our children and grandchildren see the example of compassion and faith, and in you, our nation sees the true strength of womanhood; resolute yet tender, humble yet unshakably firm.

Nigeria owes you more than many will ever know. In every sacrifice you made quietly, in every burden you carried without complaint, you have served this country as surely as I have, not from the podium, but from the heart of our home.

Today, as your husband, I thank God for your life, health, and unwavering love. As your President, I salute you as the First Lady whose warmth and empathy continue to touch millions of lives across our land. And as your lifelong companion, I say that I love you more than ever, and am blessed every day by your presence. Your love is a treasure I hold dear.

Happy 65th birthday, Oluremi

@SenRemiTinubu

. May the years ahead be filled with joy, peace, and the fulfilment you so richly deserve.

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