Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) commenced a three-day boycott of courts in Ogun State on Monday, July 6, 2026, paralyzing judicial activities across Abeokuta, Ota, and Sagamu.
Legal practitioners launched the protest against newly introduced judiciary policies, including a ₦100,000 virtual hearing fee and administrative charge increases, which they argue restrict access to justice.
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The industrial action affects proceedings across multiple tiers of the justice system, including the High Court, Customary Court of Appeal, Magistrates’ Courts, and Customary Courts.
Protesting lawyers stated that the revised fees impose excessive financial burdens on litigants and severely limit legal representation.
NBA Leadership Details Grievances
NBA Abeokuta Branch Chairman Kayode Aderemi explained that the local branches exhausted all administrative channels before executing the resolution.
“We are here today because members of our branch, by resolution at our branch meeting, resolved to embark on a three-day court boycott, beginning today, 6th July 2026, through 8th July 2026,” Aderemi said.
Aderemi noted that the state judiciary implemented several unfavorable rules without addressing the direct feedback and complaints raised by legal practitioners and their clients.
“The boycott is in protest against certain policies of the Ogun State Judiciary, which we believe are inimical to the interests of our members, first, the payment of a ₦100,000 virtual hearing fee,” he said.
The policy changes also affected baseline services, raising the cost of basic documentation by approximately 650 percent.
“Second, the increase in the oath administration fee from ₦200 to over ₦1,500.
