Bondsmen Scheme Effects Release of 8000 Inmates in 5 Years
Ogun State’s Bondsmen Scheme has facilitated the release of over 8,000 inmates from correctional facilities since its inception five years ago.
According to Chief Judge of the State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, the scheme has played a pivotal role in curbing congestion in the state’s correctional facilities.
The scheme’s success can be attributed to the diligent work of licensed bondsmen, including Chrysalis Bail and Bond Limited and Egba Kelisco Bail and Bond Limited.
These companies have worked tirelessly to ensure that defendants were granted bail and released from correctional facilities.
Justice Dipeolu 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.
This development is expected to further enhance the scheme’s effectiveness.
Despite the scheme’s success, challenges such as defendants absconding after being granted bail have been acknowledged.
To address this, the 2025 Bondsmen Regulations have been introduced to strengthen and standardize the operation of the scheme.
The judiciary aims to integrate the bondsmen system into a centralized digital platform, reducing paperwork and minimizing human interaction.
A digital database has been established to capture information on all defendants granted bail through bondsmen.
The scheme has contributed significantly to reducing prison congestion, a major challenge in Nigeria’s justice system.
At least 149 inmates have been released from correctional facilities in Ogun State this year through the judiciary’s jail delivery exercise.
The Bondsmen Scheme has also helped eradicate the menace of fake sureties and corrupt civil servants seeking fees.
The scheme has created employment opportunities, with the two bondsmen companies collectively employing over 80 staff.
The success of the Bondsmen Scheme in Ogun State has been applauded by other states, including Kaduna State, which has expressed interest in adopting a similar scheme.
The Ogun State Judiciary’s commitment to providing a fresh start for defendants has been evident in its efforts to decongest correctional facilities.
