BY RITA OYIBOKA/OGECHI EJIOFOR
The Delta State Government has announced plans to roll out a State Criminal Information System, an expansive, technology-driven database designed to capture the biometrics and criminal history of offenders across every stage of the justice process.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), made the disclosure in Asaba during the fourth-quarter National Executive Council meeting of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), revealing that the system will store fingerprints, eye colour, and complete criminal profiles of individuals arraigned in court, awaiting trial, undergoing trial, convicted, sentenced or held in correctional facilities.
According to him, the new digital infrastructure, courtesy of Governor Sherrif Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, positions Delta as one of the most advanced justice ecosystems in the country, with long-term impacts on background checks, employment screenings, credit ratings, and passport applications.
“If you come into Delta State, don’t commit a crime. We will have your records forever,” he warned, adding that the system is already being implemented and is expected to be fully operational within three months.
Speaking earlier, the National President of LOAN, Comrade Ernest Edomwonyi, reaffirmed the central role of law officers in maintaining national stability, formulating policy, prosecuting cases, protecting human rights, and resolving disputes.
He appealed for sweeping reforms, including a unified salary structure for law officers across the federation, improved work environments, better legal research tools, regular capacity-building programmes, fair consideration for judicial appointments, and elevation of law officers to permanent secretary positions.
Also addressing the gathering, the Chairman of LOAN, Delta State Chapter, Comrade Moses Agwere, described the NEC meeting as an opportunity to reassess the association’s milestones, address emerging challenges, and drive reforms that enhance the welfare and professional capacity of law officers nationwide.
Others who spoke include the Head of Service, Dr Minimim Oseji, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of The Ministry of Justice, Omamuzo Erebe SAN.
The NEC meeting included deliberations expected to shape nationwide policy directions for law officers and justice sector reforms.
