The Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Tessy Diai in a move to check unlawful detention and ensure that cases are going on as they should in court has released 12 awaiting trial inmates on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), having no case to answer. This also includes two other convicted inmates who have completed their sentences during the just concluded second quarter Custodial Centres visit.
While addressing stakeholders at the Ogwashi – Uku Custodial Centre on Thursday,18th July, Justice Diai explained that a total of 1,245 awaiting trial inmates warrants were reviewed, consisting of 345 warrants reviewed at the Warri Custodial Centre, 156 warrants reviewed at the Sapele Custodial Centre, 5 warrants reviewed at the Remand Home, Sapele, 169 warrants reviewed at the Kwale Custodial Centre, 174 warrants reviewed at the Agbor Custodial Centre and 400 warrants reviewed at the Ogwashi – Uku Custodial Centre.
Consequently, 14 inmates regained their freedom. 10 awaiting trial inmates on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution that they have no case to answer, 2 inmates on the order of the trial Magistrate handling their matters who expressed concern that they were still in custody despite making an order for their release prior to the visit and 2 others who had completed their sentence and spent extra time for failure to fulfill the requirements of their restitution, both were released unconditionally.
The Chief Judge noted the rise in awaiting trial inmates at the Ogwashi – Uku Custodial Centre …”the last time we came to Ogwashi – Uku, I didn’t have this number of inmates. I do not know what is happening, even considering the Federal High Court cases, almost all their own have been sorted, we still have so many people and it is still the young persons”. She further added …”it is like a revolving door where 2 persons go out and 8 come in but we are trying our best and I’m happy about it”.
Justice Diai commended the Judges, Magistrates and the prosecuting team for their diligence.
