Delta CJ releases seven awaiting-trial inmates

Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Tessy Diai, has set free seven awaiting trial inmates across the custodial centres in the state, saying there was no sufficient evidence to prosecute them.

Those released include Yohanna Selnan, John Tanko, Gwakman, Ventim Usman, and Chukwuemeka Ugwu, all male inmates.

Mr. Chukwuemeka Ugwu said he was arrested for the crime of robbery and kidnapping but claimed he knew nothing about the crime.

While addressing stakeholders at the Ogwashi-Uku Custodial Centre at the weekend, Justice Diai explained that they were released based on the legal advice of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Anthony Ogheneovo Orhorhorho, stating that the inmates had no case to answer.

According to the CJ, who rounded up the 2025 first quarterly visit to correctional centres in the state, a total of 1,228 inmate warrants were reviewed, with none granted bail across the state.

She stated that a total of 350 warrants were reviewed, with one person regaining freedom at the Warri Centre, while 138 warrants were reviewed with none released at the Sapele Remand Home.

At the Kwale Centre, 181 warrants were reviewed, with one person breathing the air of freedom for the first time after spending a reasonable time behind bars on arson and kidnapping charges.

She explained further that at Agbor, 135 warrants were reviewed, with none released, while 428 warrants were reviewed with five persons regaining freedom at the Ogwashi-Uku Centre.

The elated Delta Chief Judge appreciated everyone who participated in the exercise in the state, including the DPP and his team, for their diligence and hard work, which translated into faster and smoother dispensation of justice in the state.