- Begins Correctional Centres’ Visitation
BY PATRICK MGBODO
The Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Tessy Diai, has reiterated that the State is making steady progress in administering criminal justice and in efforts to decongest the Custodial Centres across the State, including through her quarterly visits to these Centres.
During her first-quarter visit to the Warri and Sapele Custodial Centres, including the Sapele Remand Home, Justice Diai attributed the achievements so far to the dedicated efforts of the Judges, Magistrates, and staff members of the Ministry of Justice, Police, Prosecutors, and other stakeholders.
These visits, for the first quarter of the year, commenced on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Warri Correctional Centre and are expected to conclude on March 19, 2026.
At the Sapele Correctional Centre, the Chief Judge said 152 warrants were reviewed, and eight warrants were reviewed at the Sapele Remand Home.
“The cases are ongoing in courts, and so there was no need to interfere. Most of the people who ought to be granted bail in the Magistrates’ Court have been granted bail, but some of them are still here because they cannot perfect the bail conditions.’’
Speaking at the Warri Custodial Centre, Justice Diai expressed optimism that 15 judgments will be delivered within the next two months, and she also thanked the Judges and the DPP’s team for their tireless efforts.
“Things are going on fine as far as I am concerned. But like I keep saying most of the time, it’s a recurring thing: you remove 20, and 40 comes in. So, that is why it looks as if nothing is happening. Otherwise, if no new people come in, it wouldn’t take time. We are doing our best,’’ she said.
At the Warri Custodial Centre, 325 warrants were reviewed, six were discharged and acquitted by the court, and one was granted bail on compassionate grounds, while none were released or granted bail at the Sapele Correctional Centre.
