By Becky Usman

In a significant development, Justice Theresa Dai, the Chief Judge of Delta State, undertook a comprehensive review of 600 case files during her visit to various Correctional Centers in the state. Following her assessment, she took the commendable step of releasing 234 inmates who had been awaiting trial for extended periods. Justice Dai expressed concern about missing case files, revealing that some inmates were detained without proper documentation.

Speaking to journalists in Asaba after her visit, Justice Dai disclosed that during her visit to correctional facilities in Sapele, 168 case files were reviewed, along with two at the Sapele Remand Home, 469 files at the Warri Correctional Center, and 33 at the Supplementary Center. The Chief Judge clarified that the decision to release inmates was based on the number of years spent awaiting trial and the absence of substantial evidence in their case files.

Among the discharged individuals were Lucky, held for four years and eight months for alleged conspiracy and robbery, Isaiah Johnson, 38, and Okogbe Ochuko, 38, both accused of armed robbery and murder, and Monday Isaac, among others whose case files were found to be empty. Justice Dai emphasized the need for valid warrants to justify an individual’s detention and expressed her discretion in releasing those with missing or insufficient documentation.

Justice Dai highlighted the importance of diversifying approaches to expedite case disposal, reducing the burden of prolonged incarceration. She expressed hope for increased efficiency in the judicial process, emphasizing the necessity of resolving cases instead of subjecting individuals to extended periods of imprisonment.

Meanwhile, at the Warri Medium Security Custodial Center, challenges such as transportation costs for taking inmates to court were raised by the Deputy Comptroller of Corrections, Mr. John Edo, during discussions with the Chief Judge.

In a related incident, residents of Enamejewa Street in Warri/Sapele Road, Warri South Local Government Area, were shocked when a woman over 70 years old, and a mother of six, allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself on a tree in a bush area of the street. The reason for the suicide remains unknown, as no written note was found. The woman, a devout Christian, had reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts the day before. Her body was discovered by her granddaughter, leading to a police investigation, as confirmed by DSP Bright Edafe, the Police Spokesman in Delta State. The body was promptly taken to the mortuary for further examination.