By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
In a bold move to check unlawful detention and protect citizens’ rights, Delta State Chief Judge, Hon.Justice Tessy Diai, has ordered the release of ten inmates from various custodial centres across the state.
Justice Diai, who embarked on jail delivery exercise to Warri, Sapele, and Kwale custodial centres, emphasized that her visit was to ensure that no individual was unjustly held in any of the custodial centres in the state beyond the lawful period or without proper charges.
During the visit, the Chief Judge reviewed a total of 676 warrants, leading to the release of ten inmates on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), that they had no case to answer.
At the Warri Custodial Centre, Justice Diai reviewed 345 cases, resulting in the release of two inmates. She praised the Judges particularly the judge handling criminal cases at High Court 1, Ughelli, and the prosecuting team for their diligent handling of cases.
“We have come to the end of the exercise and reviewed 345 warrants. Most cases are either already in court or awaiting DPP advice. I commend the prosecuting counsel and the judges for their diligence. Without their efforts, we wouldn’t have achieved this much,” she said.
Justice Diai also noted challenges such as the failure to produce defendants in court, particularly at the Magistrate Court level. She is hopeful that such courts will seize the benefits of the zoom facilities installed in Warri and Ughelli high Courts
At Sapele and Kwale custodial centres, she emphasized that the exercise was not aimed at mass releases but towards ensuring fairness and legality in detentions.
“We don’t want situations where individuals are detained without charges or held longer than they should. In cases of ill-health or on compassionate grounds, we may consider release inmates. However, once a case is in court, the Chief Judge has limited powers, except to guide the trial judge or magistrate,” she clarified.
Among those freed were a couple—Aforkeoghene Thompson and Maureen Kent—alongside others including Moses Yinkore, Funakpo Fuobo, Usman Adamu, Kekere Jonathan, Addi Azunya, David Onajite, Kingsley Desmond, and Michael Tyo.
Justice Diai reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice, assuring that this exercise would continue at the Agbor and Ogwashi – Uku Custodial centres to end the second quarter prisons visit.