Ogun Bail Scheme Frees 8,000 Defendants, Eases Prison Congestion -

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.

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“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.

Chief Judge Speaks On Progress In Bail

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.