IN a significant milestone for the administration of justice in Delta State, 15 defendants remanded at the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre had their cases heard through virtual court proceedings, marking the state’s first official use of the technology.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, spearheaded the introduction of the Virtual Court Hearing System for High Courts and Correctional Centres across the state.
This initiative is aimed at eliminating delays caused by the inability to produce remanded defendants in court, while also safeguarding their constitutional rights to a fair and speedy trial. Presiding over the proceedings were Hon. Justice Briki-Okolosi (High Court 2), Hon. Justice Onome Marshal Umukoro (High Court 5), and Hon. Justice F. N. Azinge (High Court 4). A total of 15 defendants participated in the hearings, benefiting from the increased access to justice.
Charges brought against the defendants ranged from armed robbery and conspiracy to commit felonies to misdemeanours such as malicious damage, rape, intent to coerce or seduce, and offences related to prostitution and human trafficking. During the sessions, two judgments were also delivered by the presiding judges.
Speaking on the development, the Attorney-General emphasised that the Virtual Court Hearing System is designed to reduce the cost of justice delivery, save time, mitigate the risks involved in transporting inmates to court, and enhance the timely dispensation of justice.
He noted that the system has already been fully implemented at both the Ogwashi-Uku and Warri Correctional Centres, with plans underway to extend it to other facilities.
Hon. Justice Briki-Okolosi, who presided over part of the virtual hearings, commended the state for embracing technology in its judicial processes. He described the initiative as a significant leap forward, placing Delta State at the forefront of criminal justice reform in Nigeria.
According to him, virtual proceedings offer notable benefits, including increased efficiency, reduced reliance on physical infrastructure, and cost savings on court maintenance, utilities, and staffing.
