The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has deployed a special panel of magistrates to hear 201 cases within 14 days, as part of a judiciary intervention aimed at decongesting correctional facilities in the state.

The initiative, known as the Judiciary Intervention Week, will run from Monday, November 24, to Friday, December 5, 2025, and will focus on cases connected to the Sagamu Correctional Centre.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Registrar of the Ogun State High Court, Olakulehin Oke.

According to the statement, eight magistrates have been appointed to preside over the cases, which were drawn from the Sagamu, Mowe, Ojodu Abiodun, and Isara Magisterial Districts.

Oke explained that the intervention week would prioritise accelerated hearings, review of eligible cases, and consideration of matters suitable for non-custodial measures in line with applicable laws.

“This initiative forms part of the Honourable Chief Judge’s continued efforts to enhance the administration of criminal justice, promote human rights, and ensure the efficient management of custodial facilities across the state,” Oke said.

He added that all cases would be heard within the Sagamu Magisterial District during the two-week exercise, noting that the case list had been circulated to the affected districts.

The Chief Registrar said the programme would be carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Bar Association, security agencies, and other key stakeholders in the justice sector.

“All procedures will strictly adhere to legal standards and safeguard the rights of all persons concerned, especially those in custody,” he stated.

Oke emphasised that the Judiciary Intervention Week aims to strengthen justice delivery, reduce delays, and address congestion in facilities without compromising public safety or due process.

He urged residents to support the initiative, adding that the Ogun State Judiciary “appreciates the cooperation of all stakeholders.”

In September, Justice Dipeolu disclosed that more than 8,000 defendants had been granted bail and released through the Ogun Bondsmen Scheme since its launch five years ago. She said the scheme has significantly helped to ease prison congestion and reform a bail process long marred by corruption and inefficiency.