They said this situation forced them to jostle for space with criminal suspects and litigants — many of whom are appearing before them in ongoing trials.
Magistrates in Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently provide official vehicles for judicial officers across the state.
The magistrates warned that the absence of mobility support is exposing them to grave security risks and eroding the dignity of the judiciary.
The Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ondo State chapter, said no fewer than 60 magistrates currently depend on public transport to move between courts.
They said this situation forced them to jostle for space with criminal suspects and litigants — many of whom are appearing before them in ongoing trials.
Chief Magistrate Damilola Sekoni, spokesperson for the association, raised the alarm on Friday during a courtesy visit by MAN executives to a former senator representing Ondo North, Bode Olajumoke, and the Publisher of Vanguard, Sam Amuka, in Akure.
Sekoni said magistrates face daily humiliation and threats to their lives as they board commercial vehicles with individuals standing trial before them.
“We, on a daily basis, hop on commercial vehicles, most times with criminals and litigants standing trial before us, with the attendant security risk to our individual lives” he said.
He added that the situation compromises judicial integrity and undermines their ability to dispense justice without fear or favour.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure branch, Onimisi Umar, who also spoke during the visit, appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa to intervene, insisting that official vehicles were not a luxury but a necessity for judicial officers entrusted with sensitive responsibilities.
“Providing official vehicles will greatly improve the efficiency, safety, and morale of the magistrates. It will also ensure that they are treated with respect befitting their office,” Umar said.
Responding, Olajumoke promised to take up the matter with the governor, noting that magistrates must be protected and motivated to uphold the rule of law.
He urged them to remain above reproach and avoid actions that could bring disrepute to the legal profession.
Also speaking, Amuka commended the magistrates for their visit and encouraged them to maintain integrity and continue strengthening public trust in the justice system.
The appeal to the governor comes amid rising concerns about the welfare of lower-court judicial officers nationwide, many of whom complain about inadequate funding, poor working conditions, and threats to their personal safety.
