Christopher Odamah, Asaba
The Delta State Chief Judge, Hon Justice Tessy Diai has completed the 2nd quarter visits to the five Custodial Centres in the State.
The visit which started on the 1st of July, 2024, began at the Warri Custodial Centre, where 360 warrants were reviewed and three lucky inmates were released on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution while, a fourth inmate who was improperly remanded also regained his freedom. .
Justice Diai said “On Tuesday the 2nd day of July, 2024; the visit continued to Sapele Custodial Centre and Sapele remand home with 174 warrants reviewed.
In her words, the visit also continued on Monday being the 15th day of July at the Kwale Custodial Centre with 215 warrants reviewed, Wednesday 17th was at the Agbor Custodial Centre where 160 warrants were reviewed and finally the Ogwashi-uku Custodial Centre on Thursday the 18th of July were 389 warrants were reviewed.
The Chief Judge reiterated that within the time of preparing the lists, some of the inmates had been discharged, acquainted, released on bail etc, so out of the total number of 450 on the list plus 64 on the supplementary list ; we had a total of 389 warrants which we have reviewed here.
“A total of 1,298 awaiting trial warrants were reviewed in the 5 custodial centres. I will not say this is the best and i think everyone is trying and can now see the result of diversifying the trials of criminal cases. And that is the beauty of it and I can see so much improvement,” she added.
According to her, I thank everyone for the efforts put in to make it successful we still have the third quarter visit and by the grace of God we will conclude that.
“I want to thank everybody for the efforts and know it is not easy even from the office of the Department of Public Prosecution or for the Judges themselves. All the cases are in Court that is what we want not that they should be left in custody here and not in police custody. Taking them to court will guarantee them the opportunity of a speedy conclusion of their cases or access to bail”. Justice Diai said.
The Chief Judge commended the Judges, Magistrates, most especially the Ministry of Justice who have worked tirelessly to see that cases go on as they should.
