By Shirley Binitie.
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) that they have no case to answer during the just concluded first quarter Custodial Centres visit of the Chief Judge in the year 2026.
While addressing stakeholders at the Ogwashi – Uku Custodial Centre on Monday, 23rd March, 2026, Justice Tessy Diai explained that a total of 1,142 awaiting trial inmates warrants were reviewed, consisting of 325 warrants reviewed at the Warri Custodial Centre, 152 warrants reviewed at the Sapele Custodial Centre, 8 warrants reviewed at the Remand Home, Sapele, 163 warrants reviewed at the Kwale Custodial Centre, 146 warrants reviewed at the Agbor Custodial Centre and 348 warrants reviewed at the Ogwashi – Uku Custodial Centre.
Consequently, 12 inmates regained their freedom. 6 awaiting trial inmates on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution that they have no case to answer, while 6 inmates were released by the trial Magistrate handling the case delivered judgement during the exercise.
The Chief Judge reiterated that the purpose of the exercise is not to release inmates but to ensure that their cases are going on in the various courts as they should, that no inmate is held unjustly in custody, they are produced in court for trial and the cases are determined on their merit. She further stated that inmates are either released or convicted when judgement is delivered in court and that inmates can be released on bail or on compassionate ground during the Custodial centres visit exercise.
Justice Diai commended the Judges, Magistrates, Director of public prosecution(the prosecuting team) and lawyers for their diligence in ensuring these cases are going on in Courts.
