Delta plans speedy trial of inmates

Disturbed by the large number of awaiting trial inmates at correctional centres in Delta State, the state Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai, has ordered that the list of those awaiting trial be forwarded to the office of the Chief Registrar, High Court of Justice, Asaba, for speedy dispensation of justice

Justice Diai also directed that the list be forwarded to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ministry of Justice, Asaba and Commissioner of Police, Police Headquarters, Asaba.

Justice Diai, who will commence inspection of federal correctional centres across the state today (Monday), is expected to work out the process for the speedy trial.

The Director of Protocol/Public Relations, High Court of Justice, Asaba, Mr. Timothy Agbaragu, who made this known in Asaba weekend, said the chief judge would begin the visit at the Warri custodial centre (popularly known as Okere prison) today (Monday).

He said: “Justice Diai will be at Kwale Custodial Centre on Monday, January 24; Agbor Centre on Thursday, January 25, 2022, and round off the inspection at Ogwashi-Uku Custodial Centre on Thursday, 27 and Friday, 28 of January, 2022.”

He stated that the exercise, expected to commence at 10a.m. each day, requires registrars open courts to ensure that records, namely charge sheets, case files containing information, record books and other relevant documents are uploaded and ready for presentation to facilitate the visit.

“Director of Public Prosecution is enjoined to get ready all cases for filing and/or where legal opinion (s) have been rendered, are authenticated and duly tendered while the commissioner of police and his desk officers, including prosecutors in magistrate and area customary courts are to provide records of case files placed before magistrates and chairmen of area customary courts in line with Section 293 (1) and (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Delta State of Nigeria 2016.