Eighteen inmates of the Ikoyi Correctional Facility regained their freedom in Lagos state via a remote hearing system following the conclusion of the second batch of remote court in Epe Magisterial District.

The 18 inmates were freed after Magistrates’ Courts in the Epe explored the use of technology to ensure access to justice for inmates who have stayed between one to four years in remand without attending regular court.

Lagos Chief Judge, Kazeem Alogba had since January 2025 during the Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committee forum, directed that cases involving 342 inmates in the Ikoyi custodial facility should be scheduled for remote hearing.

The Chief Judge’s directives followed a concern raised by the Correctional Service Centre, Lagos that several inmates whose cases are in courts under Epe magistrate districts have not been attending court regularly due to logistics problems.

The CJ directed that Global T&T New Solutions Limited, operators of the Remote Court System, immediately facilitate and set up the cases for remote hearing.

The 1st batch of the cases involving 234 inmates in Ikoyi custodial commenced on January 22, 2025, at the Magistrate Court 1 in Epe, with Magistrate Botoku sitting.

As of March 7, 2025, a total of 177 inmates have attended court remotely.

Defendants are produced by the Custodial Centres upon issuance of production warrants by the courts.

These defendants were taken to the Ikoyi custodial centre where remote court facilities are set up.

Magistrate Courts in Epe and Magbon Alade in Ibeju Lekki have all taken cases remotely.

The Judiciary and the remote court operators have therefore advised lawyers to continue to work on service improvements and continue to provide required technical support in the courts to deliver the desired objectives of a speedy, efficient, justice system that works for all.

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