Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Tessy Diai, has vowed to ensure that no individual was unjustly held in any of the custodial centres in the state beyond the lawful period or without proper charges.
Justice Diai, who embarked on jail delivery exercise to Warri, Sapele and Kwale custodial centres ordered the release of 10 inmates, vowing to end unlawful detention and protect the citizens’ rights.
Among those freed were a couple, Aforkeoghene Thompson and Maureen Kent, Moses Yinkore, Funakpo Fuobo, Usman Adamu, Kekere Jonathan, Addi Azunya, David Onajite, Kingsley Desmond and Michael Tyo.
During the visit, she reviewed a total of 676 cases, leading to the release of the inmates on the advice of the director of public prosecutions (DPP) that they had no case to answer.
At the Warri Custodial Centre, Justice Diai reviewed 345 cases, resulting in the release of two inmates.
“We have come to the end of the exercise and reviewed 345 warrants. Most cases are either in court or awaiting DPP advice. I commend the prosecuting counsel and the judges for their diligence. Without their efforts, we wouldn’t have achieved this much,” she said.
At Sapele and Kwale custodial centres, she emphasised that the exercise was not aimed at mass releases but towards ensuring fairness and legality in detentions.
