Ogun Lawyers Boycott Courts Over ₦100,000 Hearing Fee

Lawyers in Ogun State have initiated a boycott of court proceedings due to the introduction of a ₦100,000 fee for virtual hearings and other judicial policies deemed detrimental to their practice. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branch in Abeokuta, led by Chairman Kayod Aderemi, organized the protest, which has significantly paralyzed judicial activities across the state.

Aderemi stated that the ₦100,000 fee for virtual hearings is excessive and restricts access to justice for litigants wishing to have their matters heard virtually. Additionally, the increase in the oath administration fee from ₦200 to ₦1,500 and the limitation on processing four witness oaths per day were also criticized as unjustifiable constraints on legal practice.

Aderemi noted that while compliance within the jurisdiction is nearly 100%, some lawyers were unaware of the boycott. Chief Registrar Olakulehin Ok explained that the virtual court system requires significant investment and that Ogun State's fees are lower than those in Lagos, despite being one of Nigeria's busiest judicial jurisdictions.