Delta Chief Judge Reviews 1,061 Warrants, Frees 9 Inmates Across Four Custodial Centres ‎

‎By Isharo Odafe
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‎The Chief Judge of Delta State, Hon. Justice Tessy Diai, has ordered the release of 9 inmates from the Agbor, Ogwashi-Uku, Warri and Sapele Custodial Centres as part of ongoing efforts to promote speedy administration of justice and decongest correctional facilities across the state.
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‎Speaking with journalists on Tuesday during the prison visitation exercise, Justice Diai disclosed that a total of 1,061 warrants were reviewed across the four custodial centres.
‎She said 413 warrants were reviewed at the Ogwashi-Uku Custodial Centre, resulting in the release of three inmates, while 295 warrants were reviewed at the Warri Custodial Centre, where five inmates regained their freedom. At the Sapele Custodial Centre, 157 warrants were reviewed, leading to the release of one inmate. The Chief Judge also visited the Sapele Remand Home/Children Correctional Centre, where the cases of six juveniles were reviewed.
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‎Justice Diai further stated that 196 warrants were reviewed at the Agbor Custodial Centre, but none of the inmates met the conditions for release.
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‎According to her, the inmates were released following legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Delta State Ministry of Justice, indicating that they had no case to answer.
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‎The released inmates from the Ogwashi-Uku Custodial Centre are Emmanuel Bulus 24 years, James David 29 years, and Paulinus Goddey. Those released from the Warri Custodial Centre are Desmond Kawei 30 years,Miracle David 24 years, Promise Ododoru 36 years, Emmanuel Kawoh 42 years and Augustine Stephen 39 years. The inmate released from the Sapele Custodial Centre is Tsagove Allanddrix Teponno, a Cameroonian national.
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‎The Chief Judge was accompanied on the exercise by judges, the Chief Registrar, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Delta State Ministry of Justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions, law officers from the Ministry of Justice, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service, and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system.
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‎Justice Diai said the prison visitation exercise underscores the commitment of the Delta State Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to ensuring speedy trials, reducing congestion in custodial centres, and safeguarding the rights of inmates against prolonged detention.
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‎She advised the released inmates to be of good conduct and make productive use of the opportunity given to them, warning that they might not be afforded another chance if they return to crime.
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‎The Chief Judge also commended judges handling criminal matters, the Deputy Controllers of Corrections at the custodial centres visited, the Department of Public Prosecutions, and other criminal justice stakeholders for their dedication to the effective prosecution and timely disposal of criminal cases.
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‎Earlier, the Deputy Controllers of Corrections at the Agbor, Ogwashi-Uku, Warri and Sapele Custodial Centres commended the Delta State Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice for their sustained efforts at decongesting correctional facilities across the state.

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‎They appealed to the Chief Judge to encourage more courts to adopt virtual hearing facilities to reduce the cost and logistical challenges associated with transporting inmates to court.
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‎The correctional officials also expressed appreciation to Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the donation of five operational vehicles to the Delta State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
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‎While acknowledging the strong collaboration among the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice, they highlighted persistent challenges confronting the custodial centres, including inadequate logistics and manpower shortages.
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