The Delta State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Tessy Diai, has been conducting quarterly visits to correctional centers across the state, reviewing warrants and releasing inmates who have no case to answer, as part of efforts to decongest the facilities.
The Chief Judge was accompanied by the State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary (PS), the Deputy Comptroller of the Warri Custodial Center, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and other senior officials of the Delta State Ministry of Justice.
During the visit, Justice Diai reiterated her commitment to ensuring that awaiting trial inmates are promptly taken to court and tried.
Out of the 336 cases reviewed, one inmate—a 24-year-old motorcycle rider from Aladja, Ughelli South—was released based on the advice of the DPP. However, at the Sapele Custodial Center, where 138 warrants were reviewed, no inmate was granted bail or released.
She appealed to lawyers and prosecutors to show greater commitment to handling cases diligently. She expressed concerns over delays caused by lawyers who abandon cases, leading to prolonged trials.“If you take up a matter, you should be committed to concluding it. Many cases are stalled because lawyers do not take them seriously. If you are assigned a case, you must demonstrate diligence and professionalism,” she urged.
Source: Spadenigeria