Delta Judiciary Reviews 1,061 Warrants As Nine Inmates Regain Freedom
State Judiciary Steps Up Criminal Justice Reforms
DELTA State has intensified efforts to strengthen the administration of criminal justice after the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Tessy Diai, ordered the release of nine inmates following an extensive review of remand warrants across four custodial centres.
The exercise, which formed part of the judiciary’s routine prison visitation programme, saw Justice Diai examine 1,061 warrants at correctional facilities in Agbor, Ogwashi-Uku, Warri and Sapele to determine whether continued detention of inmates remained legally justified.
The initiative reflects broader judicial reforms aimed at safeguarding the rights of detainees, reducing prison overcrowding and promoting speedy dispensation of justice.
Legal Reviews Lead to Nine Releases
Justice Diai disclosed that legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions confirmed that the affected inmates had no prosecutable cases pending against them.
Consequently, three inmates were released from Ogwashi-Uku Custodial Centre after the review of 413 warrants.
Five others regained their freedom at the Warri Custodial Centre following the examination of 295 warrants.
At the Sapele Custodial Centre, one inmate was discharged after 157 warrants were reviewed, while six juvenile cases were separately examined at the Sapele Remand Home and Children Correctional Centre.
The Agbor Custodial Centre recorded no releases despite the review of 196 warrants.
Justice System Seeks Balance Between Accountability and Fairness
The Chief Judge explained that prison visitation exercises remain a vital safeguard within Nigeria’s criminal justice system, ensuring that individuals are not subjected to prolonged detention where evidence is insufficient to sustain prosecution.
She emphasised that every release was anchored on legal recommendations from prosecutors after careful examination of individual case files.
Justice Diai noted that protecting constitutional rights and ensuring timely justice are essential to strengthening public confidence in the judicial system.
Fresh Opportunity for Released Inmates
Addressing the released inmates, Justice Diai urged them to embrace responsible citizenship and avoid conduct that could return them to custody.
She described the opportunity as a second chance that should be used to pursue lawful livelihoods and contribute positively to society.
The Chief Judge also praised judges, prosecutors, correctional officers, security agencies and other justice sector stakeholders for their commitment to improving criminal case management across Delta State.
Correctional Service Highlights Operational Challenges
Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service welcomed the prison visitation exercise, describing it as an effective mechanism for reducing overcrowding and accelerating criminal case disposal.
The Deputy Controllers overseeing the affected custodial centres called for expanded deployment of virtual court hearings to reduce delays, lower transportation costs and improve operational efficiency.
While acknowledging the support provided by the Delta State Government—including the donation of five operational vehicles to the Correctional Service—they identified manpower shortages and inadequate logistics as continuing challenges requiring sustained government intervention.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that stronger institutional collaboration between the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, Correctional Service and security agencies would further enhance access to justice while ensuring that correctional facilities are reserved for individuals lawfully required to remain in custody.
