Delta Chief Judge Reviews 460 Awaiting Trial Cases, Pledges Speedier Justice Delivery

In a move to promote fairness, reduce prison congestion, and ensure the timely dispensation of justice, the Chief Judge of Delta State, Hon. Justice Theresa Diai, has reviewed a total of 460 cases of inmates awaiting trial at the Warri and Sapele Custodial Centres.

Justice Diai, who led a team of judges, magistrates, senior judicial officers, and representatives of the Ministry of Justice and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), disclosed this during her judicial visitation to the Sapele Custodial Centre on Tuesday.

According to her, the review covered 313 cases in Warri and 147 cases in Sapele, including visits to the Sapele Remand Home/Children Correctional Centre. However, no inmates were released during the exercise.

“The exercise is not aimed at mass releases of inmates. It is about ensuring fairness, legality in detention, and speedy trial. We don’t want situations where individuals are held without proper charges or detained longer than the law permits. Once a case is before a court, the Chief Judge has limited powers except to guide trial judges and magistrates.” Justice Diai clarified.

The Chief Judge explained that the visit formed part of a routine judicial review designed to ensure that no person is unjustly held in any of the state’s correctional facilities. She added that the third-quarter visitation would continue at the Agbor, Kwale, and Ogwashi-Uku Custodial Centres in the coming weeks.

Justice Diai commended the judiciary, correctional officers, prosecutors, and other justice sector stakeholders for their professionalism and dedication. She further reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice through due process and adherence to the rule of law.

She urged correctional officials and judges to embrace the Virtual Court Hearing System, which the Delta State Ministry of Justice is currently installing across high courts and custodial centres to speed up case hearings and reduce unnecessary delays.

In their separate remarks, Mr. Okemeomia E. Richard, Deputy Controller of Corrections in Warri, and Mr. M.A. Egbe, Deputy Controller of Corrections in Sapele, expressed appreciation to the judiciary and Ministry of Justice for their sustained collaboration in addressing prison congestion.

They, however, raised concerns over the rising number of young inmates aged 18 to 30 entering the correctional system and called for more clarity regarding inmates with the option of fine, which they said had created confusion in some courts.

Both officers also appealed for increased resources and manpower to effectively manage the facilities, noting that overcrowding and limited personnel continue to pose significant challenges.

Justice Diai’s visit marks another bold step by the Delta State Judiciary to strengthen access to justice, promote human rights, and ensure transparency within the state’s correctional and judicial systems.