The Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Tessy Diai, has completed a review of 1,190 awaiting trial cases across the state, emphasizing the need for fairness, legality, and timely trials.
Justice Diai disclosed this during her recent visit to the state’s custodial centres—the final tour of 2025. She stated that the quarterly exercise spanned five correctional facilities and the Remand Home in the state.
The review began at the Warri Custodial Center, where 313 awaiting trial cases were assessed, but no one was released or granted bail. At Sapele Custodial Center, 147 cases were reviewed with the same outcome. Four cases were reviewed at the Sapele Remand Home, while Kwale and Agbor Custodial Centers had 191 and 153 cases reviewed, respectively, with none released or granted bail.
The tour concluded at Ogwashi Uku Custodial Center, where 382 cases were reviewed. Five individuals were released on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution, as they had no case to answer, while no one was granted bail.
Justice Diai emphasized that the routine jail delivery exercise ensures that individuals are not detained without charges or held longer than necessary. She commended judges, magistrates, and prosecution teams for their diligence in advancing cases but urged all judicial authorities to accelerate trials to decongest the custodial centers.
The Chief Judge encouraged magistrates to remain strict with prosecutions, ensuring no time is wasted, and instructed custodial officials to intensify efforts in producing inmates for court appearances to facilitate speedy justice.
